Class 

Book , 7 3 ^ 

Copyright 

COPiTaGHT DEPOSm 



CONSISnNG OF 

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Jieljotional drapers! 

ARRANGED BY 

GEORGE BREWER 

Minister, First Presbyterian Church, 
Duluth, Minnesota 




BOSTON 
RICHARD G. BADGER 

THE GORHAM PRESS 



Copyright, 19 19, by Richard G. Badger 
All Rights Reserved 



OCT II 1919 



©Cl.A5353(j6 

/♦-UT f - 

Made in the United States of America 



The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A 



This little Book, consisting of a Bible Reading, and Prayer, 
for each day, is arranged for personal devotion, or family 
worship, to inspire all busy people, especially those just be- 
ginning the Christian life, to a moire vital knowledge and 
comprehensive study of the whole Bible. 

Grateful acknowledgment is made to those who contrib- 
uted prayers, and entered so cheerfully and sympathetically 
into the development of the enterprise. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Historic Events of the Old Testament ... 9 

The Ever Living Psalms 50 

Masterpieces of Prophecy 80 

The Life Story of Christ 103 

Fundamental Teachings of Christ . . . . 137 

Life Lessons of the Apostles 191 



JBailv ©ebotion 



Cfte Creation 

Bible Reading i • Genesis 1:2: 

N the beginning God created the heavens and the 
earth. And the earth was waste and void; and 
darkness was upon the face of the deep : and the Spirit 
of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God 
said, Let there be light: and there was light. And 
God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided 
the light from the darkness. And God called the light 
Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there 
was evening and there was morning, one day. 

And God said. Let there be a firmament in the midst 
of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the 
waters. And God made the firmanent, and divided the 
waters which were under the firmament from the 
waters which were above the firmament: and it was 
so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And there 
was evening and there was morning, a second day. 

And God said. Let the waters under the heavens be 
gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land 
appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land 
Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called 
he Seas : and God saw that it was good. And God 
said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding 
seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, 
wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth : and it 
was so. And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yield- 
ing seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, where- 
in is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw 

9 



10 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



that it was good. And there was evening and there 
was morning, a third day. 

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament 
of heaven to divide the day from the night; and let 
them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and 
years : and let them be for lights in the firmament of 
heaven to give light upon the earth : and it was so. 
And God made the two great lights; the greater light 
to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: 
he made the stars also. And God set them in the 
firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth, 
and to rule over the day and over the night, and to 
divide the light from the darkness : and God saw that 
it was good. And there was evening and there was 
morning, a fourth day. 

And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms 
of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth 
in the open firmament of heaven. And God created 
the great sea-monsters, and every living creature that 
moveth, wherewith the waters swarmed, after their 
kind, and every winged bird after its kind : and God 
saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying. 
Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the 
seas, and let birds multiply on the earth. And there 
was evening and there was morning, a fifth day. 

And God said, Let the earth bring forth living crea- 
tures after their kind, cattle, and creeping things, and 
beasts of the earth after their kind: and it was so. 
And God made the beasts of the earth after their 
kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything 
that creepeth upon the ground after its kind: and God 
saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man 
in our image, after our likeness : and let them have 
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds 
of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the 
earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth 
upon the earth. And God created man in his own 
image, in the image of God created he him; male and 
female created he them. And God blessed them: and 
God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



II 



replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion 
over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the 
heavens, and over every Hving thing that moveth upon 
the earth. And God said. Behold, I have given you 
every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of 
all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of 
a tree yielding seed ; to you it shall be for food : and 
to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the 
heavens, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, 
wherein there is life, / have given every green herb 
for food: and it was so. And God saw everything that 
he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And 
there was evening and there was morning, the sixth 
day. 

And the heavens and the earth were finished, and all 
the host of them. And on the seventh day God fin- 
ished his work which he had made ; and he rested on 
the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 
And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; 
because that in it he rested from all his work which 
God had created and made. 



I^t9p0t George Brewer 

E praise Thee, O God, we acknowledge Thee to be 
the Lord : All the earth doth worship Thee, the 
Father everlasting. Heaven and earth are full of the 
majesty of Thy Glory.' And Thou art more gloriously 
revealed in the second creation — in human life, with 
its manifold powers and sacred responsibilities — with 
its wonder of being, seeing, heariug, feeling, knowing, 
and believing. But Thou art most gloriously revealed 
in Jesus Christ who has made disclosure of Thine in- 
most nature, and who, by His life, teachings, death, 
and resurrection has interpreted to us Thy creating 
purpose, reconciling love, and redeeming power. There- 
fore we come to Thee, our Redeemer, in simple faith, 
asking that, as we have been born in Thine image, we 



12 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



may be restored to Thy likeness : that our sins may be 
forgiven, our lives purified; and that with a holy in- 
tuition for the things that are right, we may have a 
definite purpose in living, and a Christ-like passion for 
the service that taxes our highest powers, and -best 
serves the needs of the world. As we face life's prob- 
lems, keep us from hasty judgments, help us to see 
life-events in the true perspective of the years, and to 
live with more implicit trust in Thy loving plans and 
purposes, begun here, but to be consummated in eter- 
nity. 

We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



13 



(SatDen ot OBDen 

Bihle Reading 2 ' Genesis 2: 

ND Jehovah God planted a garden eastward, in 
Eden ; and there he put the man whom he had 
formed. And out of the ground made Jehovah God 
to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and 
good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of 
the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and 
evil. And a river went out of Eden to water the gar- 
den; and from thence it was parted, and became four 
heads. And Jehovah God took the man, and put him 
into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 
And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying. Of 
every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat : but 
of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou 
shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest 
thereof thou shalt surely die. 

And Jehovah God said, It is not good that the man 
should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. 
And out of the ground Jehovah God formed every 
beast of the field, and every bird of the heavens ; and 
brought them unto the man to see what he would call 
them: and whatsoever the man called every living 
creature, that was the name thereof. And the man 
gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the heav- 
ens, and to every beast of the field ; but for man there 
was not found a help meet for him. And Jehovah 
God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he 
slept ; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the 
flesh instead thereof : and the rib, which Jehovah God 
had taken from the man, made he a woman, and 
brought her unto the man. And the man said. This 
is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she 



14. ' THE OLD TESTAMENT 



shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of 
Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his 
mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall 
be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and 
his wife, and were not ashamed. 

PCaP^t Book of Worship 

OST HOLY God, who lightenest every man that 
Cometh into the world, enlighten our hearts, we 
pray Thee, with the light of Thy grace, that we may 
fully know our sins and our shortcomings, and may 
confess them with true sorrow and contrition of heart. 
Unveil Thy love to us, so that in its clear shining we 
may behold the sin of our rebellion, and may turn unto 
Thee in humility and fervent devotion. Deliver us, we 
pray Thee, from the tyranny of evil habit. Save us 
from acknowledging any sovereignty above Thine. De- 
fend us when we are tempted to fields of transgres- 
sion. Protect us from the allurements which assail 
the senses, and which entice us, through our fleshly 
desires, into impure delights. Loose us from the bonds 
of vanity and pride and remove every perverting prej- 
udice which blinds our vision. Impart unto us the 
grace of simplicity. Give us a healthy recoil from all 
hypocrisy, from all mere acting in Thy holy Presence. 
Quicken our perception that we may realize Thy Pres- 
ence and feel the awe of the unseen. Quicken our 
souls so that we may apprehend the things that concern 
our peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Bible Reading 3 Genesis 3: 

OW the serpent was more subtle than any beast of 
the field which Jehovah God had made. And he 
said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall 
not eat of any tree of the garden? And the woman 
said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of the 
garden we may eat: but of the fruit of the tree- which 
is in the midst of the garden, God hath said. Ye shall 
not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest 
ye die. And the serpent said unto the wom- 
an. Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know 
that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be 
opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil. 
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for 
food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that 
the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took 
of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also 
unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the 
eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that 
they were naked ; and they sewed fig-leaves together, 
and made themselves aprons. And they heard the 
voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden in the 
cool of the day: and the man and his wife hid them- 
selves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the 
trees of the garden. 

And Jehovah God called unto the man, and said 
unto him. Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy 
voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was 
naked ; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee 
that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, 
whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 
And the man said. The woman whom thou gavest to be 



i6 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And 
Jehovah God said unto the woman, What is this thou 
hast done? And the woman said. The serpent beguiled 
me, and I did eat. And Jehovah God said unto the 
serpent. Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou 
above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; 
upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat 
all the days of thy life : and I will put enmity between 
thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her 
seed : he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his 
heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply 
thy pain and thy conception; in pain thou shalt bring 
forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, 
and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said. 
Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy 
wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I com- 
manded thee, saying. Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed 
is the ground for thy sake; in toil shalt thou eat of it 
all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall 
it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of 
the field ; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, 
till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast 
thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou 
'return. And the man called his wife's name Eve; be- 
cause she was the mother of all living. And Jehovah 
God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins, 
and clothed them. 

And Jehovah God said, Behold, the man is become as 
one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put 
forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, 
and live for ever — therefore Jehovah God sent him 
forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from 
whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and 
he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cher- 
ubim, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, 
to keep the way of the tree of life. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



17 



James A, Patterson 

/IXRACIOUS God, the Father of all, revealed in lov- 
^ ing mercy to us through Jesus Christ our Lord, we 

come to Thee to receive the pardon which our sins 
demand, the peace which our disobedience has ban- 
ished and the restoration of the power which has 
been destroyed through voluntary transgression. We 
pray Thee for the grace to close our eyes against the 
things which appeal most strongly to our senses, whose 
luring appearance invites indulgence at the expense of 
peace of conscience. 

Forbid that we should seek after experiences which 
can come to us only through the entrance upon for- 
bidden paths : Make us willing the rather to be content 
with that ignorance which suggests innocency. 

Help us to shun the gateway of dazzling promise 
which opens to the way of shame and death. Teach 
us, we pray Thee, that when our hearts begin to fail 
to respond to Thee, that death's shadow advances. 

Open our eyes, we pray Thee, that we may be able 
to see and realize the way that leadeth from Thee, be- 
fore there comes the awakening sting of an outraged 
conscience. 

For the sake of Him who loved us and gave Him- 
self for us, even Jesus our Lord, Amen. 



i8 THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Clje jflooD 

Bible Reading 4 Genesis 6:^:8: 

HESE are the generations of Noah. Noah was a 
righteous man, and perfect in his generations : Noah 
walked with God. * * * 

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is 
come before me; for the earth is filled with violence 
through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with 
the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms 
shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within 
and without with pitch. * * * 

Thus did Noah; according to all that God command- 
ed him, so did he. 

In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and 
Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, 
and the three wives of his sons with them, into the 
ark; they, and every beast after its kind, and all the 
cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that 
creepeth upon the earth after its kind, and every bird 
after its kind, every bird of every sort. * * And the 
flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters in- 
creased, and bare up the ark, and it was lifted up above 
the earth. * * * And all flesh died that moved upon 
the earth, both birds, and cattle, and beasts, and every 
creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every 
man ; * * * And Noah only was left, and they that 
were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed 
upon the earth a hundred and fifty days. 

And God remembered Noah, and all the beasts, and 
all the cattle that were with him in the ark: and God 
made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters 
assuaged; the fountains also of the deep and the win- 
dows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



19 



heaven was restrained; and the waters returned from 
off the earth continually: and after the end of a hun- 
dred and fifty days the waters decreased. And the ark 
rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day 
of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. * * * 
And in the second month, on the seventh and twentieth 
day of the month, was the earth dry. And God spake 
unto Noah, saying. Go forth from the ark, thou, and 
thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. 
Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with 
thee of all flesh, both birds, and cattle, and every creep- 
ing thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may 
breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and 
multiply upon the earth. And Noah went forth, and 
his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him: 
every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, what- 
soever moveth upon the earth, after their families, went 
forth out of the ark. 

And Noah builded an altar unto Jehovah, and took 
of every clean beast, and of every clean bird, and of- 
fered burnt-offerings on the altar. And Jehovah 
smelled the sweet savor; and Jehovah said in his heart, 
I will not again curse the ground any more for man's 
sake, for that the imagination of man's heart is evil 
from his youth; neither will I again smite any more 
everything living, as I have done. While the earth re- 
maineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and 
summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. 

David Kennedy 

OST Merciful God our Savior, we humbly confess 
that in all history our race has been prone to wan- 
der from Thee and sin against Thee. Thou hast ever 
warned us, and plead for us to return. At times we 
have become so desperate of heart that Thou hast vis- 
ited us with great and trying Providence as in the days 
of the flood, and now in our own day when for our 
sins and unbelief the whole world is in suffering, sor- 



20 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



row and deadly danger, not from flood, but in fire and 
blood. As in the days of Noah Thou didst provide the 
ark, so later Thou hast given Thy Son, Only Begotten 
and Well-Beloved, to be the salvation of all who be- 
lieve on Him. 

Help us now, Blessed Father, to repent, to turn to 
Thee, and obey Thy will, that our souls, our families 
and our nations may be saved from sin and death of 
the present destructive wrath of man. Help us to 
see that the sin we cherish will surely cause corruption 
-and death. Help us to see our Lord Jesus, the Ark 
of our safety, and may the Holy Spirit persuade and 
enable us to enter that Ark for the saving of our- 
selves and our house. 

We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



21 



MmtV% ^Beginning 

Bible Reading 5 Genesis 13: 

ND Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, 
and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the 
South. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, 
and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the 
South even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent 
had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai, 
unto the place of the altar, which he had made there 
at the first : and there Abram called on the name of Je- 
hovah. And Lot also, who went with Abram, had 
flocks, and herds, and tents. And the land was not able 
to bear them, that they might dwell together : for their 
substance was great, so that they could not dwell to- 
gether. And there was a strife between the herdsmen 
of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle: 
and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the 
land. And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, 
I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my 
herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is 
not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I 
pray thee, from me : if thou wilt take the left hand, 
then I will go to the right; or if thou take the right 
hand, then I will go to the left. And Lot lifted up his 
eyes, and beheld all the Plain of the Jordan, that it was 
well watered every where, before Jehovah destroyed 
Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Jehovah, like 
the land of Egypt, as thou goest unto Zoar. So Lot 
chose him all the Plain of the Jordan; and Lot jour- 
neyed east: and they separated themselves the one 
from the other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, 
and Lot dwelt in the cities of the Plain, and moved his 
tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were 
wicked and sinners against Jehovah exceedingly. 



22 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



And Jehovah said unto Abram, after that Lot was 
separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look 
from the place where thou art, northward and south- 
ward and eastward and westward: for all the land 
which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed 
for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the 
earth : so that if a man can number the dust of the 
earth, then may thy seed also be numbered. Arise, 
walk through the land in the length of it and in the 
breadth of it; for unto thee will I give it. And Abram 
moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of 
Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built there an altar 
unto Jehovah. 

Selected 

/l^ GOD of Israel, and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, we lift up our hearts to Thee, thanking 
Thee for the revelation of Thyself as Father. Fore- 
shadowed even, in olden times, but in Jesus made clear 
when He came and taught us to call Thee "Our Father." 
We are Thy children, and if children then heirs — heirs 
of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Lord help 
us to realize our possibilities in Him. Save us from 
a low conception of living. Help us to live each day 
the life that lasts forever. Take away from us the 
love for sin; enable us to covet the best things, and 
to be renewed in our whole being after Thine image. 
Make us more efficient in Thy service — send us out on 
errands of mercy, and help us to do what we can for 
Thee. The world is full of needy souls. The air is 
resonant with calls for help. Then help us, Lord, to 
answer these calls up to the full measure of our pow- 
ers. Keep us busy for Thee, and when we pray "Thy 
Kingdom come," help us to follow our prayer with 
the "Amen" of service. Bless our community, our 
land, and the nations of the world: Draw our hearts 
nearer to Thyself, and all kingdoms into Thine ever- 
lasting Kingdom. 

We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



23 



Israel in (IBgppt 

Bible Reading 6 Exodus 3: 

OW Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his 
father-in-law, the priest of Midian : and he led the 
flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to the 
mountain of God, unto Horeb. And the angel of Je- 
hovah appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of 
the midst of a bush : and he looked, and, behold, the 
bush burned with fire, and the bush was not con- 
sumed. And Moses said, I will turn aside now, and 
see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And 
when Jehovah saw that he turned aside to see, God 
called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, 
Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said. 
Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy 
feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy 
ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy 
father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the 
God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face ; for he was 
afraid to look upon God. And Jehovah said, I have 
surely seen the afliiction of my people that are in 
Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their 
taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am 
come down to deliver them out of the hand of the 
Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land 
unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with 
milk and honey; * * ^ Come now therefore, and I 
will send thee unto Pharoah, that thou mayest bring 
forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. 
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should 
go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the 
children of Israel out of Egypt ? And he said. Cer- 
tainly I will be with thee ; and this shall be the token 



24 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



unto thee, that I have sent thee: when thou hast 
brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve 
God upon this mountain. 

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto 
the children of Israel, and shall say unto them. The 
God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they 
shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say 
unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT 
I AM : and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the 
children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And 
God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say 
unto the children of Israel, Jehovah, the God of your 
fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and 
the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you : this is my 
name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all gen- 
erations. Go, and gather the -elders of Israel together, 
and say unto them, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, 
the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, 
hath appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited 
you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: and 
I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction 
of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanite, and the Hit- 
tite, and the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Hi- 
vite, and the Jebusite, unto a land flowing with milk 
and honey. * * * And I will put forth my hand, and 
smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the 
midst thereof : and after that he will let you go. And 
I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyp- 
tians : and it shall Come to pass, that, when ye go, ye 
shall not go empty: but every woman shall ask of her 
neighbor, and of her that sojourneth in her house, 
jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and 
ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daugh- 
ters ; and ye shall despoil the Egyptians. 

Edwyn Evans 

UT of the depths do we cry unto Thee, O God, 
knowing that Thy wisdom cannot err, and that 
Thy goodness cannot fail. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



25 



Thou dost ever lead Thy people out of the bondage 
of sin and selfishness, those powers of darkness which 
hold in captivity the best that is in us. And by reason 
of this bondage, Father, do we ask that Thou wouldst 
lead us to a place of largeness and deliverance. 

We are dissatisfied in that we have lived so poorly, 
so meanly, so selfishly; and we ask for the redeeming, 
purifying Spirit of the Christ to set us free from all 
that is base and earthly, and incline us towards all that 
is high and heavenly. Lord, let Thy Spirit brood over 
us and take possession of our souls, that we may glo- 
rify Thee through our deliverance by what we seek to 
be and by what we seek to do. 

And grant, we beseech Thee, a vision — real, vivid 
and true — of the highest service we may render Thee. 
And grant unto us the power to obey what we see in 
our best moments alone with Thee. Hear us, for we 
pray in the name and in the Spirit of Christ our Savior. 
Amen. 



26 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Bible Reading 7 Exodus 12: 

ND Jehovah spake unto Moses and Aaron in the 
land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you 
the beginning of months : it shall be the first month of 
the year to you. Speak ye unto all the congregation 
of Israel, saying. In the tenth day of this month they 
shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their 
fathers' houses, a lamb for a household: and if the 
household be too little for a lamb, then shall he and 
his neighbor next unto his house take one according 
to the number of the souls ; according to every man's 
eating ye shall make your caunt for the lamb. Your 
lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old : ye 
shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats: and 
ye shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same 
month; and the whole assembly of the congregation 
of Israel shall kill it at even. And they shall take 
of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on 
the lintel, upon the houses wherein they shall eat it. 
* * * And thus shall ye eat it : with 5^our loins girded, 
your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; 
and ye shall eat it in haste : it is Jehovah's passover. 
For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, 
and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, 
both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt 
I will execute judgments: I am Jehovah. And the 
blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where 
ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, 
and there shall no plague be upon you to destroy you, 
when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be 
unto you for a memorial, and ye shall keep it a feast 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



27 



to Jehovah : throughout your generations ye shall keep 
it a feast by an ordinance for ever. * * * 

Then !Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and 
said unto them, Draw out, and take you lambs accord- 
ing to your families, and kill the passover. And ye 
shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood 
that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two 
side-posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none 
of you shall go out of the door of his house until the 
morning. For Jehovah will pass through to smite the 
Egyptians ; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, 
and on the two side-posts, Jehovah will pass over the 
door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto 
your houses to smite you. And ye shall observe this 
thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for 
ever. And it shall come to pass, when ye are come to 
the land which Jehovah will give you, according as he 
hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. And it 
shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto 
you, What mean ye by this service? that ye shall say, 
It is the sacrifice of Jehovah's passover, who passed 
over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when 
he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And 
the people bowed the head and worshipped. And the 
children of Israel went and did so ; as Jehovah had 
commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. * * * And 
Jehovah gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyp- 
tians, so that they let them have what they asked. And 
they despoiled the Egyptians. 

William H. Foulkes 

LORD, if Thou shouldest mark iniquity, who, O 
Lord, shouldest stand? But there is forgiveness 
with Thee. We praise Thee to-day for the divine and 
eternal passover, wherein Thou dost forgive the sin- 
ner without condoning his sin. W^e praise Thee for the 
Paschal Lamb that was slain from before the founda- 
tion of the world, even our Lord Jesus Christ. We 
praise Thee that this atoning blood has been sprinkled 



28 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



upon the door of this House, and that in His redeem- 
ing death we may find eternal life. We confess our 
unworthiness and hereby acknowledge that it is not 
because of any holiness in us but because of Thy great 
grace in Jesus Christ that we are saved. We pray 
most earnestly that we may be delivered from the 
power as well as the stain of sin. Grant unto us this 
day, in our personal lives, in our family relationships, 
in our places of toil, as well as in the hours of rest 
and refreshment. Thy heavenly favor. 

Bless with us all Thy children everywhere, in all 
their varied and manifold needs, and hasten the com- 
ing of the Kingdom of Thy Dear Son our Savior, the 
Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. 
Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



29 



Cfte EeD %tfi 

Bible Reading 8 Exodus 14: 

ND it was told the king of Egypt that the people 
were fled : and the heart of Pharaoh and of his 
servants was changed towards the people, and they 
said, What is this we have done, that we have let 
Israel go from serving us? And he made ready his 
chariot, and took his people with him : and he took six 
hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, 
and captains over all of them. And Jehovah hardened 
the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued 
after the children of Israel : for the children of Israel 
went out with a high hand. And the Egyptians pursued 
after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and 
his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them en- 
camping by the sea. * * 

And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel 
lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians were 
marching after them; and they were sore afraid: and 
the children of Israel cried out unto Jehovah. And 
they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves 
in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wil- 
derness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to 
bring us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word 
that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying. Let us alone, 
that "we may serve the Egyptians? For it were better 
for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die 
in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, 
Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of Jeho- 
vah, which he will work for you to-day: for the Egyp- 
tians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again 
no more for ever. Jehovah will fight for you, and ye 
shall hold your peace. ^ ^ 



30 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and 
Jehovah caused the sea to go hack by a strong east 
wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the 
waters were divided. And the children of Israel went 
into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and 
the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, 
and on their left! And the Egyptians pursued, and 
went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pha- 
raoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it 
came to pass in the morning watch, that Jehovah looked 
forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar 
of fire and^ of cloud, and discomfited the host of the 
Egyptians. ' And he took off their chariot wheels, and 
they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, 
Let us flee from the face of Israel; for Jehovah fight- 
eth for them against the Egyptians. 

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Stretch out thy hand 
over the sea, that the waters may come again upon 
the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their 
horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over 
the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the 
morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; 
and Jehovah overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of 
the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the 
chariots, and the horsemen, even all the host of Pha- 
raoh that went in after them into the sea; there re- 
mained not so much as one of them. But the children 
of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the 
sea ; and the waters were a wall unto them on their 
right hand, and on their left. Thus Jehovah saved 
Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians ; and 
Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea-shore. , And 
Israel saw the great work which Jehovah did upon the 
Egyptians, and the people feared Jehovah: and they 
believed in Jehovah, and in his servant Moses. 

J^tflpCt Alexander Maclaren 

ORD God of Hosts, who didst guide our fathers out 
of the house of bondage and through the Red Sea 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



31 



of war — guide us ! Help us to see Thy faithfulness in 
every event of our chequered and changing lives. Help 
us to see how Thou hast smoothed our way in the past ! 
Every thorn has been blunted; every cross has been 
lightened; our fears have been disappointed; our fond- 
est hopes fulfilled. We will trust Thee in the future ; 
if sorrow should darken our path, keep us from that 
guilty atheism which refuses to see in our trials any 
other hand but Thine. 

We thank thee, O Lord, that we can come to Thee 
with all the burden of our weakness and weariness, of 
our cares and sorrows, of our failures and sins; and 
we beseech Thee that Thou wouldst take all the weight 
away from us, and help us with free hearts to draw 
nearer to Thyself and to live evermore according to 
Thy will as it is disclosed to us by Christ Jesus our 
Lord. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Bible Reading 9 



Exodus 19: 



the third month after the children of Israel were 

gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day 
came they into the wilderness of Sinai. * * * And 
Moses went up unto God, and Jehovah called unto him 
out of the mountain, saying. Thus shalt thou say to 
the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 
Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how 
I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto 
myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice 
indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine 
own possession from among all peoples : for all the 
earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom 
of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words 
which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 

And Moses came and called for the elders of the 
people, and set before them all these words which Je- 
hovah commanded him. And all the people answered 
together, and said. All that Jehovah hath spoken we 
will do. And Moses reported the words of the people 
unto Jehovah. And Jehovah said unto Moses, Lo, I 
come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may 
hear when I speak with thee, and may also believe thee 
for ever. And Moses told the words of the people 
unto Jehovah. And Jehovah said unto Moses, Go unto 
the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, 
and let them wash their garments, and be ready against 
the third day; for the third day Jehovah will come 
down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. 

And it came to pass on the third day, when it was 
morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and 




THE OLD TESTAMENT 



33 



a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of a trum- 
pet exceeding loud; and all the people that were in the 
camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people 
out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the 
nether part of the mount. And mount Sinai, the whole 
of it, smoked, because Jehovah descended upon it in 
fire; and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of 
a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And 
when the voice of the trumpet waxed louder and loud- 
er, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. 
And Jehovah came down upon mount Sinai, to the top 
of the mount : and Jehovah called Moses to the top of 
the mount ; and Moses went up. And Jehovah said 
unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they 
break through unto Jehovah to gaze, and many of them 
perish. And let the priests also,^ that come near to 
Jehovah, sanctify themselves, lest Jehovah break forth 
upon them. And Moses said unto Jehovah, The people 
cannot come up to mount Sinai : for thou didst charge 
us, saying. Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it. 
And Jehovah said unto him. Go, get thee down; and 
thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but 
let not the priests and the people break through to 
come up unto Jehovah, lest he break forth upon them. 
So Moses went down unto the people, and told them. 



I^t9p0t George L. Robinson 

JEHOVAH GOD ! Thou who didst manifest Thy- 
self to ancient Israel at Sinai, covering the mount 
with Thy glory, teach us how to approach worthily 
into Thy presence, that we, too, may listen to the thun- 
derings of Thy law. As we catch the echoes of Thy 
voice in the commandments which Thou hast given, 
may we spiritually behold Thee in Thy majesty, and 
reverently stand in awe of Thy person. 

Teach us, also, how to purify ourselves, that we may 
draw near and learn Thy will. Help us to do so through 
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who, as our Mediator, has 



34 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



opened up the way into the very innermost presence 
of the Almighty. 

We remember the covenant which Thou didst make 
with the house of Jacob, to adopt them as Thine own, 
and to make of them a kingdom of priests and a holy 
nation. We rejoice in this highest and noblest of all 
possible national ideals, an ideal which is neither ma- 
terial nor military, but one of separation from, and of 
service to, the world. 

Make us worthy of this high and blessed calling, 
through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Lord. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



35 



Cen CommanDmentg 

Bible Reading lo Exodus 20: 

Q[ND God spake all these words, saying, 
^ I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of 
^ the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 

Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor 
any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or 
that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water 
under the earth : thou shalt not bow down thyself unto 
them, nor serve them; for I Jehovah thy God am a 
jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon 
the children, upon the third and upon the fourth gen- 
eration of them that hate me, and showing loving- 
kindness unto thousands of them that love me and 
keep my commandments. 

Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God 
in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that 
taketh his name in vain. 

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days 
shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh 
day is a sabbath unto Jehovah thy God : in it thou shalt 
not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, 
thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, 
nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : for in six 
days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all 
that in them is, and rested the seventh day : wherefore 
Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 

Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may 
be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee. 

Thou shalt not kill. 

Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Thou shalt not steal. 



36 THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh- 
bor. 

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt 
not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor 
his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything 
that is thy neighbor's. 

And all the people perceived the thunderings, and the 
lightnings, and the voice of the trumpet, and the moun- 
tain smoking: and when the people saw it, they trem- 
bled, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, 
Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God 
speak with us, lest we die.. And Moses said unto the 
people. Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and 
that his fear may be before you, that ye sin not. And 
the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto 
the thick darkness where God was. 

IPtSpCt George Brewer 

3&EAVENLY FATHER, we accept with thankful 
^ hearts the wonderful privilege of coming to Thee 
in prayer.. 

We thank Thee for Thy law — for Thy boundless love 
behind it, for the wondrous things in it, and for the 
Christ who was the perfect fulfilment of it. Believing 
in Thy Divine perfection, we come to Thee, asking 
that Thou wilt draw us into such fellowship with Thy- 
self, that we may be delivered from all lawlessness, 
secularity, and sin, and be given such a vision of per- 
sonal holiness, of civic justice, of business integrity, 
of social service, of national righteousness, and of 
world-wide compassion, that we shall have a holy zeal 
to do our utmost in bringing this world into harmony 
with Thy law, and into genuine devotion to Thy holy 
will. And we ask it in the name of Him who taught 
us when we pray to say: ''Our Father, which art in 
Heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come; 
Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven; Give 
us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



37 



as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temp- 
tation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the 
Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. 
Amen." 



38 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Ci)e Catiernacle 

Bible Reading ii Exodus 40: 

Qj'ND Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, On the first 
^ day of the first month shalt thou rear up the 
tabernacle of the tent of meeting. * * * 

And it came to pass in the first month in the second 
year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle 
was reared up. And Moses reared up the tabernacle, 
and laid its sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and 
put in the bars thereof, and reared up its pillars. And 
he spread the tent over the tabernacle, and put the 
covering of the tent above upon it; as Jehovah com- 
manded Moses. And he took and put the testimony 
into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put 
the mercy-seat above upon the ark: and he brought 
the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the 
screen, and screened the ark of the testimony; as 
Jehovah commanded Moses. And he put the table in 
the tent of meeting, upon the side of the tabernacle 
northward, without the veil. And he set the bread 
in order upon it before Jehovah ; as Jehovah com- 
manded Moses. And he put the candlestick in the tent 
of meeting, over against the table, on the side of the 
tabernacle southward. And he lighted the lamps be- 
fore Jehovah; as Jehovah commanded Moses. And he 
put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the 
veil : and he burnt thereon incense of sweet spices ; as 
Jehovah commanded Moses. And he put the screen 
of the door to the tabernacle. And he set the altar of 
burnt-offering at the door of the tabernacle of the tent 
of meeting, and offered upon it the burnt-offering and 
the meal-offering; as Jehovah commanded Moses. And 
he set the laver between the tent of meeting and the 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 39 



altar, and put water therein, wherewith to wash. And 
Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and 
their feet thereat: when they went into the tent of 
meeting, and when they came near unto the ahar, they 
washed; as Jehovah commanded Moses. And he reared 
up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, 
and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So 
Moses finished the work. 

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the 
glory of Jehovah filled the tabernacle. And Moses was 
not able to enter into the tent of meeting, because the 
cloud abode thereon, and the glory of Jehovah filled 
the tabernacle. And when the cloud was taken up 
from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went 
onward, throughout all their journeys: but if the cloud 
was not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day 
that it was taken up. For the cloud of Jehovah was 
upon the tabernacle by day, and there was fire therein 
by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, through- 
out all their journeys. 

J^t9p0t James H. Snowden 

GOD, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that 
Thou didst reveal Thyself to Thine ancient people 
in the symbols of the tabernacle and altar and incense, 
but that in the fulness of time Thou didst remove the 
tent and the veil and reveal Thyself in the person of 
Thy Son, whose flesh was the true tabernacle and 
whose cross was the true altar. We rejoice that the 
former things were done away in order that more glo- 
rious revelations might come, that the shadows of the 
morning vanished in order that the undimmed splendor 
of the day might shine upon us. Give us the faith 
and vision to see Thy unveiled glory in the face of Thy 
Son Jesus Christ. May we know that as Thou didst 
remove the things that were shaken in order that the 
things that were not shaken might remain, so Thou 
hast yet many things to say unto us through Christ who 



40 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



will be with us alway to lead us into all truth and 
grace, beauty and blessedness. May we trust in the 
sacrifice of His cross and send up to Thee the incense 
of our worship and service and sacrifice. Help us so 
to live and spread the gospel of Thy Son that its glory 
may speedily fill the whole world as the sky envelops 
the earth. 

And this we ask in Jesus' name. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 41 



Eftual of atonement 

Bible Reading 12 Leviticus 16: 

^ND Jehovah spake unto Moses, after the death of 
the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near be- 
fore Jehovah, and died; and Jehovah said unto Moses, 
Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at 
all times into the holy place within the veil, before the 
mercy-seat which is upon the ark; that he die not: 
for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. 
Herewith shall Aaron come into the holy place: with 
a young bullock for a sin-offering, and a ram for a 
burnt-offering. He shall put on the holy linen coat, 
and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, 
and shall be girded with the linen girdle, and with the 
linen mitre shall he be attired: they are the holy gar- 
ments; and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and put 
them on. And he shall take of the congregation of 
the children of Israel two he-goats for a sin-offering, 
and one ram for a burnt-offering. 

And Aaron shall present the bullock of the sin- 
offering, which is for himself, and make atonement 
for himself, and for his house. And he shall take the 
two goats, and set them before Jehovah at the door of 
the tent of meeting. And Aaron shall cast lots upon 
the two goats ; one lot for Jehovah, and the other lot 
for Azazel. And Aaron shall present the goat upon 
which the lot fell for Jehovah, and offer him for a sin- 
offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell for 
Azazel, shall be set alive before Jehovah, to make 
atonement for him, to send him away for Azazel into 
the wilderness. * * * 

And it shall be a statute for ever unto you: in the 
seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall 



42 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



afflict your souls, and shall do no manner of work, the 
home-born, or the stranger that sojourneth among 
you; for on this day shall atonement be made for you, 
to cleanse you; from all your sins shall ye be clean be- 
fore Jehovah. It is a sabbath of solemn rest unto you, 
and ye shall afflict your souls ; it is a statute for ever. 
And the priest, who shall be anointed and who shall 
be consecrated to be priest in his father's stead, shall 
make the atonement, and shall put on the linen gar- 
ments, even the holy garments : and he shall make 
atonement for the holy sanctuary; and he shall make 
atonement for the tent of meeting and for the altar; 
and he shall make atonement for the priests and for 
all the people of the assembly. And this shall be an 
everlasting statute unto 3'ou, to make atonement for 
the children of Israel because of all their sins once in 
the year. And he did as Jehovah commanded Moses. 



PrapCt William A. Quayle 

^ LORD, we thank Thee that in Thy word, earth's 
grimmest enemy is called Sin : nor merely an 
error or mistake, but sin — that foul, deadly, damning 
enemy that God will not have about His throne or 
about Himself, or about His children. We thank Thee 
that here in Thy word Thou art teaching the dullest 
of us what sin is, and what God in His infinite love 
has done to rid us of it, even sending His Only- 
begotten Son, who in the likeness of sinful flesh and 
for sin condemned sin in the flesh, and went out into 
death's grim wilderness to meet and to conquer sin. 

We thank Thee for the Lamb of God who taketh 
away the sins of the world. O Lord, take aw^ay our 
sins, and by Thy cleansing blood make us clean, through 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



43 



Cfte Cemple Planned 

Bible Reading 13 II Samuel 7: 

ND it came to pass, when the king dwelt in his 
house, and Jehovah had given him rest from all 
his enemies round about, that the king said unto Na- 
than the prophet, See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, 
but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And 
Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thy 
heart; for Jehovah is with thee. And it came to pass 
the same night, that the word of Jehovah came unto 
Nathan, saying. Go and tell my servant David, Thus 
saith Jehovah, Shalt thou build me a house for me 
to dwell in? for I have not dwelt in a house since the 
day that I brought up the children of Israel out of 
Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent 
and in a tabernacle. * * * 

Then David the king went in, and sat before Je- 
hovah; and he said. Who am I, O Lord Jehovah, and 
what is my house, that thou hast brought me thus far? 
And this was yet a small thing in thine eyes, O Lord 
Jehovah; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's 
house for a great while to come; and this too after 
the manner of men, O Lord Jehovah ! And what can 
David say more unto thee? for thou knowest thy serv- 
ant, O Lord Jehovah. For thy word's sake, and 
according to thine own heart, hast thou wrought all 
this greatness, to make thy servant know it. Where- 
fore thou art great, O Jehovah God: for there is none 
like thee, neither is there any God besides thee, ac- 
cording to all that we have heard with our ears. And 
what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even 
like Israel, whom God went to redeem unto himself 
for a people, and to make him a name, and to do great 



44 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



-J 



things for you, and terrible things for thy land, before 
thy people, whom thou redeemedst to thee out of 
Egypt, from the nations and their gods? And thou 
didst establish to thyself thy people Israel to be a 
people unto thee for ever; and thou, Jehovah, becamest 
their God. And now, O Jehovah God, the word that 
thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concern- 
ing his house, confirm thou it for ever, and do as thou 
hast spoken. And let thy name be magnified for ever, 
saying, Jehovah of hosts is God over Israel ; and the 
house of thy servant David shall be established before 
thee. For thou, O Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, 
hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee 
a house : therefore hath thy servant found in his heart 
to pray this prayer unto thee. And now, O Lord Je- 
hovah, thou art God, and thy words are truth, and thou 
hast promised this good thing unto thy servant: now 
therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy 
servant, that it may continue for ever before thee; 
for thou, O Lord Jehovah, hast spoken it: and with 
thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for 
ever. 



Ira Landrith 

/t^ THOU Father and Fashioner of our spirits, Archi- 
tect of our souls, Builder of our minds and our 
wills, we thank Thee for a share with Thee in making 
fit the temples wherein Thine own Spirit stoops ^ to 
dwell, even our bodies. Help us to keep Thy dwelling 
place within us pure and clean and strong, swept free 
from evil deeds, cleansed constantly of unworthy de- 
sires, and made fresh and beautiful and fragrant with 
good-will and kindness and brotherly love. For Thee, 
b Guest Divine, we would furnish these bodies and 
minds of ours, and our souls, with high thinking and 
generous speech; with acts of unselfish helpfulness, 
and with the abundant riches and blessedness of the 
pure in heart. 

In humble penitence and shame, we acknowledge the 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



45 



sinfulness of our sin against Thee that we would have 
dishonored Thee by peopling with evil thoughts and 
words and deeds Thy chosen dwelling place. Hence- 
forth, if Thou wilt help us with Thy wisdom, Thy 
pure spirit and Thy power, we would build more nobly 
and care for these living temples more affectionately, 
reserving them exclusively for Thee, that Thou mayest 
have comfort in us and peace, and that nevermore shall 
it be said of our hearts, "The Son of Man hath not 
where to lay His head." Dwell Thou in us then, O 
Lord, that through us Thou mayest work Thy righteous 
will among all to whom Thou sendest us, for it is in 
Christ's name that we ask it. Amen. 



46 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Ci)e Cemple OSuilt j 

Bible Reading 14 I Kings 5:6: 

ND Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto 
Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed 
him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was 
ever a lover of David. And Solomon sent to Hiram, 
saying, Thou knowest how that David my father could 
not build a house for the name of Jehovah his God 
for the wars which were about him on every side, 
until Jehovah put them under the soles of his feet. 
But now Jehovah m}^ God hath given me rest on every 
side; there is neither adversary, nor evil occurrence. 
And, behold, I purpose to build a house for the name 
of Jehovah my God, as Jehovah spake unto David my 
father, saying. Thy son, whom I will set upon thy 
throne in thy room, he shall build the house for my 
name. Now therefore command thou that they cut 
me cedar-trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall 
be with thy servants; and I will give thee hire for thy 
servants according to all that thou shalt say: for thou 
knowest that there is not among us any that knoweth 
how to cut timber like unto the Sidonians. * * * 

So Hiram gave Solomon timber of cedar and timber 
of fir according to all his desire. And Solomon gave 
Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food 
to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil : 
thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. And Jeho- 
vah gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him; and 
there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and 
they two made a league together. * * * 

And the king commanded, and they hewed out great 
stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house 
with wrought stone. And Solomon's builders and Hi- 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



47 



ram's builders and the Gebalites did fashion them, and 
prepared the timber and the stones to build the house. 

In the fourth year was the foundation of the house 
of Jehovah laid, in the month Ziv. And in the eleventh 
year, in the month Bui, which is the eighth month, was 
the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, 
and according to all the fashion of it. So was he 
seven years in building it. 

Praper Victor Herbert Lukens 

GOD, we thank Thee for the renewed inspiration 
for love of our Church which has come to us from 
this passage. We pray Thee that as in other days, holy 
men of old strove to beautify the house of Thy 
presence, so we may labor to make our Church, by 
beauty and order, a worthy place in which to worship 
Thee. Give to us, we pray, the sense of Thy good 
presence in our hearts when we gather for worship 
in our Church, in order that, being conscious of thy 
favor, we may find it easy, when within her walls, to 
lift up our spirits unto Thee. 

Grant Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, to our pastor, 
filling his heart with grace that he may be able to 
break the bread of life to us. Help us so to aid him 
in the work of the gospel that our Church may pros- 
per in every good word and work. 

O God, we thank Thee, that we now need no temple 
wherein rises the smoke of the daily sacrifices, but that 
Christ Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Give 
to us, we humbly beseech Thee, an ever growing faith 
in the atoning merits of His death, not for ourselves 
alone, but also for the whole world. 

This we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



48 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Cfte Cemple DeOfcateD 

Bible Reading 15 I Kings 8: 

HEN Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and 
all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers' 
houses of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in 
Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of Je- 
hovah out of the city of David, which is Zion. And 
all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king 
Solomon at the feast. And all the elders of Israel 
came, and the priests took up the ark. And they 
brought up the ark of Jehovah, and the tent of meet- 
ing, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent; 
even these did the priests and the Levites bring up. 

if; i{< 5js 

And Solomon stood before the altar of Jehovah 
in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and 
spread forth his hands toward heaven; and he said, 
O Jehovah, the God of Israel, there is no God like 
thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath; who keep- 
est covenant and lovingkindness with thy servants, that 
walk before thee with all their heart; who hast kept 
with thy servant David my father that which thou 
didst promise him : yea, thou spakest with thy mouth, 
and hast fulfilled it with thy hand, as it is this day. 
Now therefore, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, keep 
with thy servant David my father that which thou hast 
promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man 
in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only thy 
children take heed to their way, to walk before me as 
thou hast walked before me. Now therefore, O God 
of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which 
thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. 

But will God in very, deed dwell on the earth ? behold. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



49 



heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; 
how much less this house that I have builded ! Yet 
have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and 
to his supplication, O Jehovah my God, to hearken 
unto the cry and to the prayer which thy servant 
prayeth before thee this day; that thine eyes may be 
open toward this house night and day,^ even toward 
the place whereof thou hast said. My name shall be 
there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant 
shall pray toward this place. And hearken thou to the 
supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, 
when they shall pray toward this place : yea, hear thou 
in heaven thy dwelling-place; and when thou hearest, 
forgive. 

Raymond M. Huston 

UR heavenly Father, in the atmosphere of the Holy 
Temple we come to adore Thee, in whose Name 
and to whose glory it was builded. Although Thou 
dwellest in a temple not made with hands. Thou dost 
visit Thy people when they meet in the sanctuary, and 
ofttimes Thy glory fills the Temple. Help us to revere 
all things sacred, most especially the House that is 
dedicated to Thy worship, and may we magnify the 
Church before men, by our loyal allegiance, faithful 
attendance, and devotional spirit. We thank Thee that 
Thou hast so honored man as to make him the temple 
of the Holy Ghost. May we be so filled with Thy 
glory, that our faces shall shine, and our whole being 
radiate joy and peace. Help us to put all confidence 
in Thy dear Son, who has espoused our cause, con- 
quered our enemies, and is become our best Friend. 
Let us enjoy His fellowship made available for us, 
whether it be the fellowship of prayer, or of service, 
or even of suffering. Renew Thou our strength that 
we may mount up with wings as eagles, run and not be 
weary, walk and not faint. Thus will we give Thee the 
glory forever and ever. Amen. 



50 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Cfte P0alm0 

Bible Reading i6 Psalms i:ig: 

LESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel 
of the wicked, 
Nor standeth in the way of sinners, 
Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers : 
But his delight is in the law of Jehovah ; 
And on his law doth he meditate day and night. 
And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of 
water, 

That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, 
Whose leaf also doth not wither; 
And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 
The wicked are not so, 

But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 
Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, 
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 
For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; 
But the way of the wicked shall perish. 

The heavens declare the glory of God; 
And the firmament showeth his handiwork. 
Day unto day uttereth speech, 
And night unto night showeth knowledge. 
There is no speech nor language; 
Their voice is not heard. 
Their line is gone out through all the earth, 
And their words to the end of the world. * * * 
The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: 
The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the 
simple. 

The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart: 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



51 



The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the 
eyes. 

The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever: 
The ordinances of Jehovah are true, and righteous al- 
together. 

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much 
fine gold; 

Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the 

honeycomb. 
Moreover by them is thy servant warned : 
In keeping them there is great reward. 
Who can discern his errors? 
Clear thou me from hidden faults. 
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; 
Let them not have dominion over me : 
Then shall I be upright. 

And I shall be clear from great transgression. 
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my 
heart 

Be acceptable in thy sight, 

O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer. 

Ptaper Charles N. Thorp 

UR Loving Father : The flower turns toward the 
sunshine; so would we turn toward Thee. For 
Thou art the light of life; every morning Thy love 
wakens the world to the new day. We would walk 
in the light. May Thy dear Presence banish every 
secret sin, every doubt, every fear. We thank Thee 
for those abundant lives we know, like trees of right- 
eousness, strong, fragrant, fruitful, fed from the river 
of God. We want to be like them. Open our eyes 
that we may behold the wondrous beauty of this world 
in which we live. May we say with exultation, "This 
is my Father's world." Show us our sins and help 
us to say from the heart, *T will arise and go to my 
Father." Forgive our sin^ ; cleanse our thoughts ; dwell 
in us richly in all wisdom. May the Gospel of Christ 



52 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



illumine all nations. Strengthen and cheer every mes- 
senger of the light. Bless our loved ones. Fill us 
throughout this day with peace and joy and courage, in 
diligent service of the Master, and in glad fellowship 
with all the sons of light. 

In the name of Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness. 
Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



53 



Cfte P0alm0 

Bible Reading 17 Psalms 23:24: 

HE Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; 
He leadeth me beside still waters. 
He restoreth my soul : 

He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his 
name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
of death, 

I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; 

Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of 

mine enemies : 
Thou hast anointed my head with oil; 
My cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all 

the days of my life; 
And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever. 

The earth is Jehovah's, and the fulness thereof ; 

The- world, and they that dwell therein. 

For he hath founded it upon the seas. 

And established it upon the floods. 

Who shall ascend into the hill of Jehovah? 

And who shall stand in his holy place? 

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; 

Who hath not lifted up his soul unto falsehood, 

And hath not sworn deceitfully. 

He shall receive a blessing from Jehovah, 

And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 

This is the generation of them that seek after him, 

That seek thy face, even Jacob. 



Ik 



54 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; 

And be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors : 

And the King of glory will come in. 

Who is the King of glory? 

Jehovah strong and mighty, 

Jehovah mighty in battle. 

Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; 

Yea, lift them up, ye everlasting doors : 

And the King of glory will come in. 

Who is this King of glory? 

Jehovah of hosts, 

He is the King of glory. 

l^t9pCt Oscar T. Corson 

I^EAVENLY FATHER, we thank Thee for the 
?^ memory of a Christian home about whose family 
altar we learned in childhood to pray to Thee and to 
revere Thy Holy Word. We are deeply grateful that 
Thou art, indeed, our Shepherd, that through Thee our 
souls may be restored, and that with Thee to guide our 
steps, we need fear no evil. We gratefully acknowl- 
edge that the earth is Thine, and we earnestly pray 
that Thy Will may be done on earth as it is in Heaven. 

Cleanse our hands, Dear Father, and purify our 
hearts that we may receive a blessing from Thee. 
Accept the gratitude of our hearts for our Savior, 
Thine Only Son, who died that we might have life, and 
that we might know Thy ways and be directed in the 
paths which will lead us home to Thee. 

For the sake of Thy Dear Son, our Savior, pardon 
all our sins and help us to live nearer to Thee. May 
selfishness be removed from our lives and in its place 
may there come such a love for Thee and for our 
fellow-men as will make us willing to dedicate our 
lives and all that we have to unselfish service for 
others. 

In Christ's Name we pray. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



55 



Cf)e P0alm0 

Bible Reading i8 Psalms 42:46: 

S the hart panteth after the water brooks, 
So panteth my soul after thee, O God. 
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God : 
When shall I come and appear before God? 
My tears have been my food day and night, 
While they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? 
These things I remember, and pour out my soul with- 
in me, 

How I went with the throng, and led them to the house 
of God, 

With the voice of joy and praise, a. multitude keeping 
holyday. 

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? 
And why art thou disquieted within me? 
Hope thou in God ; for I shall yet praise him 
For the help of his countenance. 

God is our refuge and strength, 
A very present help in trouble. 

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change. 
And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of 
the seas ; 

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, 
Though the mountains tremble with the swelling there- 
of. 

There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the 
city of God, 

The holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. 
God is in the midst of her ; she shall not be moved : 
God will help her, and that right early. 
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved : 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



He uttered his voice, the earth melted. 

Jehovah of hosts is with us7 

The God of Jacob is our refuge. 

Come, behold the works of Jehovah, 

What desolation he hath made in the earth. 

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; 

He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; 

He burneth the chariots in the fire. 

Be still, and know that I am God : 

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted 

in the earth. 
Jehovah of- hosts is with us; 
The God of Jacob is our refuge. 

/. R. Miller 

EAVENLY FATHER, as the night has drawn its 
veil over the world again, we come to take refuge 
in Thee. Thou art our refuge and our strength, a very 
present help in trouble. We fear not the darkness, for 
Thou art in it. It is but Thy garment enfolding Thee. 
Thou art as truly in the darkness as in the light. May 
the wings of night be to us the wings of God, under 
whose shadow we shall find refuge, warmth, and bless- 
ing. 

The day may also have shadows for us, or it may 
bring to us hardship and self-denial; but we shall not 
be afraid. Our path through gloom shall lead to joy and 
peace. So we will press on in patient self-denial, ac- 
cepting the hardship-, not shrinking from the loss. Our 
blessing lies beyond the hour of trial, our crown beyond 
the cross. Let us not falter in any experience. Let not 
the world have dominion over us. Help us to fix our 
eyes on the heavenly hills, and press on to the glory 
that waits for us there with Thee. Hear us, O God, 
and grant to us Thy blessing and grace, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



57 



Cf)e P0alm0 

Bible Reading ig Psalms 51:84: 

AVE mercy upon me, O God, according to thy 
lovingkindness : 
According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot 

out my transgressions. 
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, 
And cleanse me from my sin. 
For I know my transgressions ; 
And my sin is ever before me. 
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned. 
And done that which is evil in thy sight; 
That thou mayest be justified when thou speakest. 
And be clear when thou judgest. 
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; 
And in sin did my mother conceive me. 
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts ; 
And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know 
wisdom. 

Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: 

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 

Make me to hear joy and gladness, 

That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 

Hide thy face from my sins. 

And blot out all mine iniquities. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God; 

And renew a right spirit within me. 

Cast me not away from thy presence; 

And take not thy holy Spirit from me. 

Restore unto me the joy^f thy salvation; 

And uphold me with a willing spirit. 

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways ; 

And sinners shall be converted unto thee. * * * 



58 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



How amiable are thy tabernacles, 
O Jehovah of hosts ! 

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of 
Jehovah ; 

My heart and my flesh cry out unto the living God. 

Yea, the sparrow hath found her a house, 

And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may 

lay her young. 
Even thine altars, O Jehovah of hosts. 
My King, and my God. 
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : 
They will be still praising thee. * * * * 
O Jehovah of hosts. 
Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. 



/4f ATHER, in Thy mysterious presence kneeling, 
^ Fain would our souls feel all Thy kindling love; 
For we are weak, and need some deep revealing 
Of trust, and strength, and calmness from above. 

Lord, we have wandered forth from doubt and sorrow, 

And Thou hast made each step an onward one; 
And we will ever trust each unknown morrow, — 

Thou wilt sustain us till its work is done. 
In the heart's depth a peace serene and holy 

Abides, and when pain seems to have its will, 
Or we despair, — oh, may that peace rise slowly, 

Stronger than agony, and we be still ! 

O Lord, in whose hands are life and death, by whose 
power I am sustained, and by whose mercy I am 
spared, look down upon me with pity. Forgive me that 
I have until now so much neglected the duty which 
Thou hast assigned to me, and suffered the days and 
hours of which I must give account, to pass away with- 
out any endeavor to accomplish Thy will. Make me 
to remember, O God, that every day is Thy gift, and 
ought to be used according to Thy command, through 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



Praper 



Samuel Johnson 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



59 



Cfte psalm0 



Bible Reading 20 



Psalms go:gi: 



'^ORD, thou hast been our dwelling-place 
^ In all generations. 
Before the mountains were brought forth, 
Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, 
Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. 
Thou turnest man to destruction. 
And sayest, Return, ye children of men. 
For a thousand years in thy sight 
Are but as yesterday when it is past, 
And as a watch in the night. 

Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as 
a sleep : 

In the morning they are like grass which groweth up. 
In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; 
In the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High 
Shall abide under the shadow the Almighty. 
I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fort- 
ress ; 

My God, in whom I trust. 

For he will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, 

And from the deadly pestilence. 

He will cover thee with his pinions. 

And under his wings shalt thou take refuge: 

His truth is a shield and a buckler. 

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night. 

Nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 

For the pestilence that walketh in darkness, 

Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 

A thousand shall fall at thy side, 




6o THE OLD TESTAMENT 



And ten thousand at thy right hand; 
But it shall not come nigh thee. 
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, 
And see the reward of the wicked. 
For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! 
Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation; 
There shall no evil befall thee. 
Neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent. 
For he will give his angels charge over thee, 
To keep thee in all thy ways. 
They shall bear thee up in their hands. 
Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder : 
The young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample un- 
der foot. 

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I 
deliver him : 

I will set him on high, because he hath known my 
name. 

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; 

I will be with him in trouble : 

I will deliver him, and honor him. 

With long life will I satisfy him, 

And show him my salvation. 



I^t8p0t Ervin S. Chapman 

OST Gracious God, our Father, aid us by Thy 
Spirit to realize the truth taught in Thy Word, 
that our home is in Thee. May we abide in that covert 
of security and peace and rejoice in the realization of 
Thy presence and companionship. May we hear Thy 
voice speaking to us in Thy Word and by the gracious 
influences of Thy Holy Spirit. 

Aid us, we beseech Thee, to realize our frailty that 
we may trust only and wholly in Thee. 

We thank Thee for the gift of Thy Son, Jesus Christ 
our Savior, through whom we have the pardon of sin 
and the work of Thy Spirit in regeneration and power 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



6i 



for service. We thank Thee for angelic ministration by 
which we are kept from accident and harm and up- 
held in all our ways. We praise Thy holy name for 
the exaltation and honor of fellowship with Thee in 
Thy power and glory, and for the assurance of Thy 
fellowship with ils in trial and tribulation. 

Oh ! Thou Most High, to whom we look and in 
whom we trust, keep us ever and evermore in that 
security and peace which are found only in Thee, for 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



62 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Clbe P0alm0 

Bihle Reading 21 Psalms ^^5:100: 

H come, let us sing unto Jehovah; 
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our sal- 
vation. 

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; 

Let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 

For Jehovah is a great God, 

And a great King above all gods. 

In his hand are the deep places of the earth ; 

The heights of the mountains are his also. 

The sea is his, and he made it; 

And his hands formed the dry land. 

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; 

Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker : 

For he is our God, 

And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep 
of his hand. * * * 

Make a joyful noise unto Jehovah, all ye lands. 
Serve Jehovah with gladness : 
Come before his presence with singing. 
Know ye that Jehovah, he is God: 
It is he that hath made us, and we are his ; 
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, 
And into his courts with praise : 
Give thanks unto him, and bless his name. 
For Jehovah is good; his lovingkindness endureth for 
ever, 

And his faithfulness unto all generations. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



63 



Thomas a Kempis 

/I^H, Lord God, Thou holy Lover of my soul, when 
Thou comest into my soul, all that is within me 
shall rejoice. Thou art my Glory and the exultation 
of my heart ; Thou art my Hope and Refuge in the 
day of trouble. Set me free from all evil passions, and 
heal my heart of all inordinate affections ; that, being 
inwardly cured and thoroughly cleansed, I may be made 
fit to love, courageous to suffer, steady to persevere. 
Nothing is sweeter than Love, nothing more cour- 
ageous, nothing fuller nor better in heaven and earth; 
because Love is born of God, and cannot rest but m 
God, above all created things. Let me love Thee more 
as the law of Love commandeth, shining out from Thy- 
self. 

Save us from blighting the fresh flower of any heart 
b}^ the flare of sudden anger or secret hate. May we 
not bruise the rightful self-respect of any by contempt 
or malice. Help us to cheer the suffering by our sym- 
pathy, to freshen the drooping by our hopefulness, and 
to strengthen in all the wholesome sense of worth and 
the joy of life. Amen. 



64 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Cbe Psalms 

Bible Reading 22 Psalms 103: 

LESS Jehovah, O my soul; 
And all that is within me, bless his holy name. 
Bless Jehovah, O my soul. 
And forget not all his benefits : 
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; 
Who healeth all thy diseases ; 
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; 
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender 
mercies ; 

Who satisfieth thy desire with good things, 
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle. 
Jehovah executeth righteous acts. 
And judgments for all that are oppressed. • 
He made known his wa3's unto ]\Ioses, 
His doings unto the children of Israel. 
Jehovah is merciful and gracious, 
Slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness. 
He will not always chide ; 
Neither v/ill he keep his anger for ever. 
He hath not dealt with us after our sins, 
Nor rewarded us after our iniquities. 
For as the heavens are high above the earth. 
So great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear 
him. 

As far as the east is from the west, 

So far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 

Like as a father pitieth his children. 

So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him. 

For he knoweth our frame; 

He remembereth that we are dust. 

As for man, his days are as grass; 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; 

And the place thereof shall know it no more. 

But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting 

to everlasting upon them that fear him, 
And his righteousness unto children's children; 
To such as keep his covenant. 

And to those that remember his precepts to do them. 
Jehovah hath established his throne in the heavens ; 
And his kingdom ruleth over all. 
Bless Jehovah, ye his angels. 

That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word. 

Hearkening unto the voice of his word. 

Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts. 

Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 

Bless Jehovah, all ye his works. 

In all places of his dominion : 

Bless Jehovah, O my soul. 

Ptapet /. R. Miller 

UR Father in Heaven, we ask Thee for simple 
childlike trust, that we m.ay not be worried nor 
afraid in this world which is so full of evil. It is Thy 
world and Thy strong hand moves in all the experi- 
ences. Give us that confidence in Thee which shall 
enable us to do our part faithfully and well and then 
to leave all the results of our work in Thy hand. 
We thank Thee that the world is growing better. We 
thank Thee for the diffusion of Thy truth among the 
nations, for the great missionary movements which 
are carrying the gospel into all lands. We thank Thee 
for the increase of benevolence, for the spirit of broth- 
erhood, for the philanthropy and human kindness 
shewn in so many ways among men. JNIay the spirit 
of Christ continue to get more and more possession 
of the hearts and lives of the people. May Thy king- 
dom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in 
Heaven, we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



66 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Cl)e P0alm0 

Bible Reading 23 Psalms iig:i2i: 

H how love I thy law! 
It is my meditation all the day. 
Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies ; 
For they are ever with me. 

I have more understanding than all my teachers ; 

For thy testimonies are my meditation. 

I understand more than the aged, 

Because I have kept thy precepts. 

I have refrained my feet from every evil way, 

That I might observe thy word. 

I have not turned aside from thine ordinances ; 

For thou hast taught me. 

How sweet are thy w^ords unto my taste! 

Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth ! 

Through thy precepts I get understanding: 

Therefore I hate every false way. 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, 

And light unto my path. * * * 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains : 

From whence shall my help come ? 

My help cometh from Jehovah, 

Who made heaven and earth. 

He will not suffer thy foot to be removed: 

He that keepeth thee will not slumber. 

Behold, he that keepeth Israel 

Will neither slumber nor sleep. 

Jehovah is thy keeper : 

Jehovah is thy shade upon thy right hand. 

The sun shall not smite thee by day, 

Nor the moon by night. 



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67 



Jehovah will keep thee from all evil; 
He will keep thy soul. 

Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in 
From this time forth and for evermore. 

Albert W. Ryan 

/l^ GOD, the Inspirer and Teacher of men, we thank 
Thee that Thou hast set us faring forth on the 
great adventure of life and hast called us to be sons of 
Thy Kingdom. Stir up within us the spirit of hu- 
mility that we may lay hold on Thy heavenly wisdom. 
Give us grace so to read, mark, learn and inwardly 
digest Thy Holy Word that it may be sweeter than 
honey to our mouths, a solace in all our troubles, a 
lantern to our feet and a light unto our paths. May 
the example of Him who went about doing good in- 
spire us with a consecration to our noblest duty and 
highest service to Thee. 

Gracious and blessed art Thou, our God. We glory in 
Thy unslumbering providence and we crave the 
strengthening benediction of Thy Holy Spirit that so 
we may unfalteringly love Thee and finally win our 
eternal inheritance. We ask all only through the merits 
of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. 



68 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Bible Reading 24 Psahns isg: 

/f^ JEHOVAH, thou hast searched me, and known 
^ vie. 

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; 

Thou understandest my thought afar of¥. 

Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, 

And art acquainted with all my ways. 

For there is not a word in my tongue, 

But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether. 

Thou hast beset me behind and before, 

And laid thy hand upon me. 

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; 

It is high, r cannot attain unto it. 

Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? 

Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there : 

If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, thou art there. 

If I take the wings of the morning, 

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 

Even there shall thy hand lead me. 

And thy right hand shall hold me. 

If I say. Surely the darkness shall overwhelm me, 

And the light about me shall be night; 

Even the darkness hideth not from thee, 

But the night shineth as the day: 

The darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 

For thou didst form my inward parts : 

Thou didst cover me in my mother's womb. 

I will give thanks unto thee; for I am fearfully and 

wonderfully made : 
Wonderful are thy works ; 
And that my soul knoweth right well. 



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69 



My frame was not hidden from thee, 
When I was made in secret, 

And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 

Thine eyes did see my unformed substance; 

And in thy book they were all written, 

Even the days that were ordained for me, 

When as yet there was none of them. 

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God ! 

How great is the sum of them ! 

If I should count them, they are more in number than 
the sand : 

When I awake, I am still with thee. * * 
Search me, O God, and know my heart: 
Try me, and know my thoughts ; 
And see if there be any wicked way in me, 
And lead me in the way everlasting. 

ptapet Murray S. Howl and 

O Thee, O Father, who seest our hearts, and under- 
stand our desires and purposes, from whom no 
secret thought is hidden, we come, asking Thee to 
search us and try us. Thou knowest if there is any 
slow, unrecognized deterioration of character, any in- 
sidious progress of spiritual pride, any hardening of 
our sympathies toward others, especially those of dif- 
ferent social conditions than our own. Thou knowest 
whether business custom, or social pressure, or material 
prosperity, are dulling our power of vision and lessen- 
ing our faith in our brothers, and in the coming of 
Thy Kingdom on earth. Where Thou findest any evil 
way, reveal to us our sin, lead us to repentance and 
restore to us our Christian ideals. We thank Thee, 
Father, for Thy constant presence in the days of sor- 
row and blackness, in times of anxiety and loneliness. 
We bless Thee, for all Thy knowledge of us, for the 
wonders of Thy universe, for its mysteries which are 
still unsolved and for those which we are daily learn- 
ing. Such knowledge brings us to our knees in wonder 



70 



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and worship. Make us humble before Thee, open 
minded, alert to Thy guiding, and do Thou lead us in 
the way everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



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71 



Bible Reading 25 Psalms 145: 

7i WILL extol thee, my God, O King; 

And I will bless thy name for ever and ever. 
Every day will I bless thee; 
And I will praise thy name for ever and ever. 
Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised; 
And his greatness is unsearchable. 
One generation shall laud thy works to another, 
And shall declare thy mighty acts. 
Of the glorious majesty of thine honor. 
And of thy wondrous works, will I meditate. 
And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts ; 
And I will declare thy greatness. 
They shall utter the memory of thy great goodness, 
And shall sing of thy righteousness. 
Jehovah is gracious, and merciful; 
Slow to anger, and of great lovingkindness. 
Jehovah is good to all; 

And his tender mercies are over all his works. 

All thy works shall give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah; 

And thy saints shall bless thee. 

They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom. 

And talk of thy power ; 

To m,ake known to the sons of men his mighty acts 

And the glory of the majesty of his kingdom. 

Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 

And thy dominion endureih throughout all generations. 

Jehovah upholdeth all that fall, 

And raiseth up all those that are bowed down. 

The eyes of all wait for thee; 

And thou givest them their food in due season. 

Thou openest thy hand, 



72 



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And satisfiest the desire of every living thing. 

Jehovah is righteous in all his wa5^s, 

And gracious in all his works. 

Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him. 

To all that call upon him in truth. 

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; 

He also will hear their cr}^, and will save them. 

Jehovah preserveth all them that love him; 

But all the wicked w411 he destroy. 

My mouth shall speak the praise of Jehovah ; 

And let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. 

PtapCt Book of Worship 

TERNAL God, we rejoice that we can find a shelter 
under the shadow of Thy wing. We rejoice in the 
security that is offered to us in our midnights and in 
our noons. Thou wilt not leave us to the loneliness 
of self-communion, but Thou wilt hold fellowship with 
us along the way. Especially in these bewildering 
times wilt Thou steady our minds in Thy councils and 
inspire our hearts in the assurance of Thy sovereign 
love. Lead us along our troubled road. Let the heav- 
enly light break upon our darkness. Help us to be- 
lieve in Thy peace even when the world is at strife. 
Even when the world is filled with the smoke of battle 
may we discern the presence of the Lord. Save us from 
the sin of unbelief. Reveal to us, we humbly pray 
Thee, the sin in which all strife is born, and help us 
to turn from it in new consecration to Thee. Help 
us to look beyond the seen into the strength and 
glory of the unseen. Cheer us with Thy consolations. 
Impart to us the gift of Thy gracious peace, as prom- 
ised us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



73 



laetoatD of M0l!om 

Bible Reading 26 Proverbs 3: 

Y son, forget not my law ; 
But let thy heart keep my commandments : 
For length of days, and years of life. 
And peace, will they add to thee. 
Let not kindness and truth forsake thee : 
Bind them about thy neck; 
Write them upon the tablet of thy heart : 
So shalt thou find favor and good understanding 
In the sight of God and man. 
Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, 
And lean not upon thine own understanding : 
In all thy ways acknowledge him, 
And he will direct thy paths. 
Be not wise in thine ow^n eyes ; 
Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: 
It will be health to thy navel. 
And marrow to thy bones. 
Flonor Jehovah with thy substance, 
And with the first-fruits of all thine increase: 
So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, 
And thy vats shall overflow with new wine. 
]\Iy son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; 
Neither be weary of his reproof : 
For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth. 
Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 
Happy is the man that findeth w^isdom, 
And the man that getteth understanding. 
For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of 
silver. 

And the profit thereof than fine gold. 



Ik 



74 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



She is more precious than rubies : 

And none of the things thou canst desire are to be 

compared unto her. 
Length of days is in her right hand; 
In her left hand are riches and honor. 
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, 
And all her paths are peace. 

PrapCt Frederick N. McMillin 

H Thou who givest to all men liberally and up- 
braideth not, who givest light and life and knowl- 
edge and wisdom to the sons of men, grant us to 
understand, we beseech Thee, that when we learn 
from Thee we shall be wise indeed. May we not for- 
get Thy law. May we walk in its precepts and heed 
its admonitions for our good. Help us that we may 
not be wise in our own eyes but wise indeed in the 
sio^ht of the eternal. If Thou must teach us wisdom 
through chastening may we not rebel. In all our learn- 
ing, grant that we may be taught of God. May we be 
wise in what we think, in what we say, in what we do, 
and in what we are. May we ever follow Him who is 
the Way, the Truth, and the Life. May we never lose 
sight of the great truth revealed to us that this is life 
eternal to know Thee, the only true God and Jesus 
Christ, whom Thou hast sent. 

Though now, our Father, at best, we must see only 
through a glass darkly, grant to us to see, sometime, 
somewhere, face to face. May we all find the footpaths 
which lead at last to perfect peace and perfect under- 
standing, and all we ask is in the name and for the 
sake of our Redeemer. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Bible Reading 27 



Ecelesiastes 1:3: 



'2J THE Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 
^ And I applied my heart to seek and to search out 
by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven : 
it is a sore travail that God hath given to the sons of 
men to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the 
works that are done under the sun ; and, behold, all 
is vanity and a striving after wind. That which is 
crooked cannot be made straight; and that which is 
wanting cannot be numbered. I communed with mine 
own heart, saying, Lo, I have gotten me great wisdom 
above all that were before me in Jerusalem; yea, my 
heart hath had great experience of wisdom and knowl- 
edge. And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and 
to know madness and folly : I perceived that this also 
was a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is 
m.uch grief ; and he that increaseth knowledge increas- 
eth sorrow. * * 

For everything there is a season, and a time for 
every purpose under heaven : a time to be born, and a 
time to die ; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up 
that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to 
heal ; a time to break down, and a time to build up ; a 
time to weep, and a time to laugh ; a time to mourn, 
and a time to dance ; a time to cast away stones, and 
a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, 
and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, 
and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast 
away ; a time to rend, and a time to sew ; a time to 
keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and 
a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. 
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he 




76 



THE OLD- TESTAMENT 



laboreth? I have seen the travail which God hath given 
to the sons of men to be exercised therewith. He hath 
made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set 
eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find 
out the work that God hath done from the beginning 
even to the end. I know that there is nothing better 
for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as 
they live. And also that ever}^ man should eat and 
drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of 
God. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be 
for ever : nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken 
from it; and God hath done it, that men should fear 
before him. That which is hath been long ago; and 
that which is to be hath long ago been : and God seek- 
eth again that which is passed away. 



James E. Freeman 



3nEAR Heavenly Father, we bow ourselves before 
Thy divine presence, in humble acknowledgment 
of our dependence upon Thee. We are as children 
crying in the night, and with no language but a cry, 
and yet we believe that Thine ear is ever attentive to 
our cry and Thine heart ever responsive to our call. 
We acknowledge our weakness, we deplore our sinful- 
ness, we remember our frailty. The vanity and wick- 
edness of the world are so much with us early and 
late that^ spending and being spent, we lay waste our 
powers. 

Great Father of us all, teach us the true and abiding 
values of life. JMake us to see and know that the 
things that are seen are temporal and that the things 
that are not seen are eternal. Teach us day by day 
to look be3^ond the passing events and issues of the 
hour and with supreme hope and confidence to trust 
in Thee. Permit not the world and its allurements 
to so enthrall us that we shall be unresponsive to Thy 
divine voice. Give us to know Thy plan and enable 
us, through the Holy Spirit's strengthening, to fulfil and 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



77 



accomplish it. We can do no good thing without Thee. 
Do Thou therefore so control and direct us, that we 
shall be conscious of Thy presence all along the way 
of our pilgrimage. Hear us in this our prayer, we 
ask it in His name, Who died that men might live, Thy 
Son our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



78 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Bememtiermg (^oD 

Bible Reading 28 Ecclesiastes 12: 

IP^EMEMBER also thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth, before the evil days come, and the years 
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure 
in them; before the sun, and the light, and the moon, 
and the stars, are darkened, and the clouds return af- 
ter the rain ; in the day when the keepers of the house 
shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow them- 
selves, and the grinders cease because they are few, 
and those that look out of the windows shall be dark- 
ened, and the doors shall be shut in the street; when 
the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up 
at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music 
shall be brought low; yea, they shall be afraid of that 
which is high, and terrors shall he in the way; and 
the almond-tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper 
shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man 
goeth to his everlasting home, and the mourners go 
about the streets : before the silver cord is loosed, 
or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken 
at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 
and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the 
spirit returneth unto God who gave it. Vanity of 
vanities, saith the Preacher ; all is vanity. 

And further, because the Preacher was wise, he still 
taught the people knowledge; yea, he pondered, and 
sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The 
Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that 
which was written uprightly, even words of truth. 

The words of the wise are as goads ; and as nails 
well fastened are the words of the masters of assem- 
blies, which are given from one shepherd. And fur- 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



79 



thermore, my son, be admonished : of making many 
books there is no end; and much study is a weariness 
of the flesh. 

This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: 
Fear God, and keep his commandments ; for this is 
the whole duty of man. For God will bring every 
work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether 
it be good, or whether it be evil. 

ptapet 

Phillips Brooks 

LORD, by all Thy dealings with us, whether of 
joy or pain, of light or darkness, let us be brought 
to Thee. Let us value no treatment of Thy grace sim- 
ply because it makes us happy or because it makes us 
sad, because it gives us or denies us what we want; 
but may all that Thou sendest us bring us to Thee, 
that, knowing Thy perfectness, we may be sure in 
every disappointment that Thou art still loving us, and 
in every darkness that Thou art still enlightening us, 
and in every enforced idleness that Thou art still 
using us — yes, in every death that Thou art giving us 
life, as in His death Thou didst give life to Thy Son, 
our Savior Jesus Christ. 

"Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy 
name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth 
as it is in Heaven; give us this day our daily bread; 
and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; 
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and 
the glory, for ever." Amen. 



8o THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Cfie l^olp €>ne 

Bible Reading 2g Isaiah 6:7:g:ii: 

^(N the year that king Uzziah died I saw the Lord sit- 
ting upon a throne, high and lifted up ; and his train 
filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim : each 
one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, 
and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain 
he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, 
holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts : the whole earth is full 
of his glory. And the foundations of the thresholds 
shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house 
was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for 
I am undone; because I am a m.an of unclean lips, and 
I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips : for 
mine eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of hosts. * * * 

And Jehovah spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask 
thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the 
depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will 
not ask, neither will I tempt Jehovah. And he said, 
Hear ye now, O house of David: Is it a small thing 
for you to weary men, that ye will weary my God 
also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a 
sign : behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, 
and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey 
shall he eat, when he knoweth to refuse the evil, and 
choose the good. For before the child shall know to 
refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose 
two kings thou abhorrest shall be forsaken. Jehovah 
will bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon 
thy father's house, days that have not come, from the 
day that Ephraim departed from Judsh—even the king 
of Assyria. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



8i 



But there shall be no gloom to her that was in an- 
guish. In the former time he brought into contempt 
the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in 
the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way 
of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great 
light : they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of 
death, upon them hath the light shined. * * For 
unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given ; and 
the government shall be upon his shoulder : and his 
name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty 
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the in- 
crease of his government and of peace there shall be 
no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his king- 
dom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and 
with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. 
The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this. 

And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock 
of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear 
fruit. And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, 
the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of 
counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the 
fear of Jehovah. And his delight shall be in the 
fear of Jehovah; and he shall not judge after the 
sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his 
ears; but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, 
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and 
he shall smite the earth with the rod of his •hiouth ; 
and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and 
faithfulness the girdle of his loins. * * * 

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root 
of Jesse, that standeth for an ensign of the peoples, 
unto him shall the nations seek and his resting-place 
shall be glorious. 



82 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



PtapCt David J, Burrell 

^ GOD, give me a vision of Thyself to-day. For 
this is life eternal, to know Thee, the only true 
God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. Help 
me to hide in the cleft of the rock and hear, if noth- 
ing more, the rustle of Thy garment as Thou passest 
by. Unveil Thy beauty in the face of Thine Only- 
begotten Son. Show me Thy love, the love that pass- 
eth knowledge; Thy justice and righteousness which 
are as the high mountains ; Thy holiness, before which 
angels and archangels cover their faces. Help me in 
view of Thyself to abhor my sins and find the healing 
comfort of Thy grace. Make me grateful for all Thy 
mercies and patient under Thy chastening hand. If 
ever life seems hard and lonety, show me the things 
which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee. 
Make me brave to live and willing, in Thy time, to 
enter on the life eternal. Enlarge my heart to think 
of others. Bless all whose lot is harder than mine. 
Remember those who have no Gospel. Reclaim the 
wandering. Glorify Thyself in Thy church and in the 
triumphs of Thy grace; for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



83 



Reading 30 Isaiah 35: 

HE wilderness and the dry land shall be glad: and 
the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy 
and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto 
it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon : they shall 
see the glory of Jehovah, the excellency of our God. 

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble 
knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be 
strong, fear not : behold, your God will come with 
vengeance, with the recompense of God; he will come 
and save you. 

Then the eyes of the,.blind shall be opened, and the 
ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the 
lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb 
shall sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, 
and streams in the desert. And the glowing sand shall 
become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of 
water: in the habitation of jackals, where they lay, 
shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And a highway 
shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The 
way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; 
but it shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, 
yea fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, 
nor shall any ravenous beast go up thereon; they shall 
not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: 
and the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come 
with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be 
upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy, 
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 



84 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



CJmrles L. Thompson 

Q[ LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, in a world of 
^ desolations we pray to-day for the coming of Thy 
Kingdom. We still believe in its coming. Amid all 
our trials we steady our faith against prophets and 
apostles. We believe bloom is coming to the wilder- 
ness and the desert. In a time when the very earth 
seems trembling, may we hear Thy voice speaking to 
the fearful heart, saying, "Fear not, thy God is com- 
ing/' 

Lord, save us from unbelief. Open our eyes that we 
may see. Unstop our ears that we may hear. Loose 
our tongues that even now we may be able to sing, 
because through all the wreck of these days the way of 
holiness is being prepared, the - path to a victory of 
righteousness and peace, a path where the redeemed 
shall walk and on which a ransomed world shall come 
to Zion with songs and everlasting joy. 

Lord, we cannot see these daj's of a coming peace 
and joy, but we can believe in Thee. If ever events 
seem to threaten even our confidence in Tli^^ promises, 
we want to fall back on Thee. Lord, we believe; help 
Thou our unbelief. Keep us calm and trustful, rest- 
ing in the Lord. 

Help us, O our Father, while with all Thy saints 
we still are praying ''Th}^ Kingdom come." And all 
this we ask in Jesus' name. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



85 



Cfte Comfottet 

Bible Reading 31 Isaiah 40:41: 

/ITO^IFORT ye, comfort ye my people, saith your 
God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry 
unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her 
iniquity is pardoned, that she hath received of Jeho- 
vah's hand double for all her sins. 

The voice of one that crieth. Prepare ye in the wil- 
derness the way of Jehovah ; make level in the desert 
a highway for our God. Every valley shall be ex- 
alted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low ; 
and the uneven shall be made level, and the rough 
places a plain : and the glory of Jehovah shall be re- 
vealed, and all flesh shall see it together ; for the mouth 
of Jehovah hath spoken it. 

The voice of one saying, Cry, And one said, What 
shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness 
thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass with- 
ereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah 
bloweth upon it : surely the people is grass. The grass 
withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God 
shall stand forever. 

O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up 
on a high mountain ; O thou that tellest good tidings 
to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength ; lift it 
up. be not afraid : say unto the cities of Judah, Be- 
hold, your God ! Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come 
as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him: Be- 
hold, his reward is with him, and his recompense be- 
fore him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he 
will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in 
his bosom, ajid will gently lead those that have their 
young. * * * 



86 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard? The 
everlasting God, Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of 
the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no 
searching of his understanding. He giveth power to 
the faint; and to him that hath no might he increaseth 
strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, 
and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that 
wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall 
mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall run, and 
not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. 

Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, 
for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will 
help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand 
of my righteousness. 

PtapCt William I. Wishart 

LORD, we thank Thee for the Gospel of the 
Strengthening Presence, and of Comfort. We are 
glad for them that have told good tidings to Zion. 
This sin-weary, war-rent world is a discouraging place 
to live in, if even for a moment we get apart from 
Thee. And we confess that sometimes anxiety and 
fear have gripped our hearts and pushed us far along 
the road toward Doubting Castle. When we think only 
of our troubles and the things that threaten and hinder, 
we grow weak and faint with fear. But when we think 
of Thee and Thy great kindness and forgiving love, 
and Thy promise forever to save and keep those that 
trust Thee, and Thy purpose of grace for this world, 
then, O Lord, we feel new courage and hope and we 
find it in our hearts to sing songs in the night and even 
to thank Thee for the shadows that have made us creep 
closer to our Comforting Father. 

Lord, forgive our doubting and fear. Hold us by 
Thy hand and keep us so true to Thee that in every 
moment of stress we may hear Thy voice saying, "Fear 
thou not, for I am with Thee." This we ask in the 
name of Jesus. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



87 



Bible Reading 32 Isaiah 42:43: 

EHOLD, my servant, whom I uphold ; my chosen, 
in whom my soul delighteth : I have put my Spirit 
upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 
He will not cry, nor lift up his voice, nor cause it to 
be heard in the street. A bruised reed will he not 
break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench : 
he will bring forth justice in truth. He will not fail 
nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; 
and the isles shall wait for his law. 

Thus saith God Jehovah, he that created the heavens, 
and stretched them forth; he that sprea'd abroad the 
earth and that which cometh out of it ; he that giveth 
breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that 
walk therein : I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteous- 
ness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and 
give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of 
the Gentiles ; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the 
prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in dark- 
ness out of the prison-house. I am Jehovah, that is 
my name, and my glory will I not give to another, 
neither thy praise imto graven images. Behold, the 
former things are come to pass, and new things do I 
declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. 

But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O 
Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel : Fear not, 
for I have redeemed thee ; I have called thee by thy 
name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the 
waters, I will be with thee : and through the rivers, 
they shall not overflow thee : when thou walkest 
through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither 



88 THE OLD TESTAMENT 



shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am Jehovah 
thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. 

Ptaper Charles F. Wishart 

GOD, our hearts are awed when we think of Thy 
majesty, but they are melted when we consider Thy 
tenderness. When confronted by Thine infinite great- 
ness, we wonder and adore; but comforted by Thine 
infinite goodness, we rejoice in the love that will not 
break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax. 
Teach us, our Master, that both Thy strength and Thy 
tenderness are the guarantee of our freedom, that we 
who are bondsmen in the prison house of sin, may be 
indeed prisoners of hope; that we who sit in darkness 
may rejoice in the coming light. Grant us then, that 
in the dark shadow of these tragic times, we may not 
be afraid. Conscious that the waters cannot overflow, 
that the fire cannot burn us, may we walk the way of 
the cross without fear. The comfort which we have 
in Thee, help us to give to others. May every lonely 
heart on the plain or mountain side, in the crowded 
city, or the quiet hamlet ; may those who suffer or min- 
ister in the hospitals all around the world; may every 
mother who kisses her cross with lips that quiver, find 
in Thee all-present comfort and through Thee the vic- 
tory that overcomes the world. For this we pray 
through Him who has, according to His promise, sent 
us the Great Comforter. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



89 



EeDemption 

Bible Reading 33 Isaiah 52: 

Q[WAKE, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on 
^ thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: 
for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the 
uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from 
the dust; arise, sit on thy throne, O Jerusalem; loose 
thyself from the bonds of thy neck, O captive daugh- 
ter of Zion. 

For thus saith Jehovah, Ye were sold for nought; 
and ye shall be redeemed without money. For thus 
saith the Lord Jehovah, My people went down at the 
first into Egypt to sojourn there: and the Assyrian 
hath oppressed them without cause. Now therefore, 
what do I here, saith Jehovah, seeing th^t my people 
is taken away for nought? they that rule over them 
do howl, saith Jehovah, and my name continually all 
the day is blasphemed. Therefore my people shall 
know my name: therefore they shall know in that day 
that I am he that doth speak; behold, it is I. 

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of 
him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, 
that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth sal- 
vation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth ! The 
voice of thy watchmen ! they lift up the voice, together 
do they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when Je- 
hovah returneth to Zion. Break forth into joy, sing 
together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for Jehovah 
hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusa- 
lem. Jehovah hath made bare his holy arm in the 
eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth 
have seen the salvation of our God. 

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch 



go 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; 
cleanse yourselves, ye that bear the vessels of. Je- 
hovah. For ye shall not go out in haste, neither shall 
ye go by flight: for Jehovah will go before you; and 
the God of Israel will be your rearward. 

Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be 
exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. Like as 
many were astonished at thee (his visage was so 
marred more than any man, and his form more than 
the sons of men), so shall he sprinkle many nations; 
kings shall shut their mouths at him : for that which 
had not been told them shall they see; and that v/hich 
they had not heard shall they understand. 

Ptapec George Matheson 

OSSESS my soul, O Christ! I feel that something 
must possess me. My heart cannot be its own mas- 
ter; it must be ruled either from above or firom be- 
low. I have no life within me strong enough to rule 
me from above; if Thou leavest me alone the lower 
life will conquer. Come into my soul, O Christ! Come, 
and take the place from which my higher self has fled. 
Come, and restrain the advance of the lower man. 
Come, and possess the gates of my enemies — the gates 
by which they issue forth on me. Come, and rnake 
me Thy captive evermore. Put Thy fetters on me — 
Thy golden fetters which make free. Put Thy mark 
on me — Thy mark of ownership which ennobles. Put 
Thy fear in me — that fear of meanness which makes 
the coward brave. Put Thy yoke upon me — that yoke 
of love which makes the burden light. I shall own no 
other master when I am possessed by Thee, O Christ. 
Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



91 



Cf)e buffering ^etnant 

Bible Reading 34 Isaiah 53: 

HO hath believed our message? and to whom hath 
the arm of Jehovah been revealed? For he grew 
up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of 
a dry ground : he hath no form nor comeliness ; and 
when we see him, there is no beauty that we should 
desire him. He was despised, and rejected of men; 
a m.an of sorrows, and acquainted with grief : and as 
one from whom men hide their face he was despised; 
and we esteemed him not. 

Surely he' hath borne our griefs, and carried our 
sorrows ; yet we .did esteem him stricken, smitten of 
God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our trans- 
gressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chas- 
tisement of our peace was upon him ; and with his 
stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone 
astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and 
Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he 
opened not his mouth ; as a lamb that is led to the 
slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is 
dumb, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and 
judgment he was taken away; and as for his genera- 
tion, who among them considered that he was cut off 
out of the ]and of the living for the transgression of 
my people to whom the stroke was duel And they 
made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man 
in his death ; although he had done no violence, neither 
was any deceit in his mouth. 

Yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him ; he hath put 
him to grief : when thou shalt make his soul an offer- 
ing for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his 



92 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



days, and the pleasure of Jehovah shall prosper in 
his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and 
shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall 
my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear 
their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion 
with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the 
strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and 
was numbered with the transgressors : yet he bare the 
sin of many, and made intercession for the transgres- 
sors. 

C. G. Rosetti 

THOU Suffering Servant ! by virtue of Thy vic- 
tory give us also, we entreat Thee, victory. Let 
Thy pierced Heart v/in us to love Thee. Thy torn hands 
incite us to every good work. Thy wounded feet urge 
us on errands of mercy. Thy crown of thorns prick 
us out of sloth, and Thy thirst draw us to thirst after 
the Living Water Thou givest: Let Thy life be our 
pattern while we live, and Thy death our triumph over 
death when we come to die. 

O Lord, who art our Guide even unto death, grant 
us, we pray Thee, grace to follow Thee whithersoever 
Thou goest. In little daily duties to which Thou call- 
est us, bow down our wills to simple obedience, patience 
under pain or provocation, strict truthfulness of word 
and manner, humility and kindness. 

O Lord God, w^ho art as the shadow of a great rock 
in a weary land, who beholdest Thy weak creatures, 
weary of labor, weary of pleasure, weary of hope de- 
ferred, weary of self, in Thine abundant compassion 
and unutterable tenderness, bring us, we pray Thee, 
unto Thy rest, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



93 



Cfte ©ffer of laeDemption 

Bible Reading 35 Isaiah 55; 

O, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, 
and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and 
eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and 
without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that 
which is not bread? and your labor for that which 
satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye 
that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in 
fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me ; hear, 
and your soul shall live : and I will make an everlasting 
covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, 
a leader and commander to the peoples. Behold, thou 
shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and a nation 
that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of Je- 
hovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for 
he hath glorified thee. 

Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye 
upon him while he is near : let the wicked forsake his 
way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; and let 
him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon 
him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are 
your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. For as the heavens 
are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than 
your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For 
as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, 
and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and 
maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the 
sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be 
that goeth forth out of my mouth : it shall not return 
unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I 



94 THE OLD TESTAMENT 



please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent 
it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with 
peace : the mountains and the hills shall break forth 
before you into singing ; and all the trees of the field 
shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come 
up the fir-tree ; and instead of the brier shall come up 
the myrtle-tree : and it shall be to Jehovah for a name, 
for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. 

Joseph A. Vance 

BLESSED God, what a wonderful thing it is to 
slake our thirst at Thy fountain, and to feed our 
hungry souls in Thy green pastures ! We have often 
put to our lips dippings from the brackish waters of the 
world, and our thirst has turned to torture. We have 
often made our hunger worse by feeding on things 
sweet to taste, but afterwards bitter and blighting. 

Now we would incline our ear to the prophet's call, 
and feed on the "wine and milk without money and 
without price." 

Turn us, O God, from every wicked way. Let Thy 
healing grace come upon our wasted energies and with- 
ered spirits as "showers upon the new-mown grass," 
and lead us forth to do our duty with a glad heart. 

If our spirits are troubled over our past wayward- 
ness, and if we are careworn and anxious about to- 
morrow, grant us the peace that comes from trusting 
Him who watches the sparrow's fall. 

Let the fir-tree spring up in our lives in place of the 
thorn, and keep us from ever growing callous to the 
Spirit's touch or deaf to His voice. 

And we ask it in the name of Him who is our Sa- 
vior, and through whose death for us on Calvary we 
still look for the sure mercies of David. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



95 



Bible Reading 36 Isaiah 60:61: 

HE Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because 
Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings 
unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken- 
hearted, to proclaim Hberty to the captives, and the 
opening of the prison to them that are bound ; to pro- 
claim the year of Jehovah's favor, and the day of 
vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 
to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto 
them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, 
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that 
they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting 
of Jehovah, that he may be glorified. 

And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise 
up the former desolations, and they shall repair the 
v^aste cities, the desolations of many generations. And 
strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and for- 
eigners shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 
But ye shall be named the priests of Jehovah ; men shall 
call you the ministers of our God : ye shall eat the 
wealth of the nations, and in their glory shall ye boast 
yourselves. Instead of your shame ye shall have 
double; and instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in 
their portion : therefore in their land they shall pos- 
sess double; everlasting joy shall be unto them. For 
I, Jehovah, love justice, I hate robbery with iniquity; 
and I will give them their recompense in truth, and I 
will make an everlasting covenant with them. And 
their seed shall be known among the nations, and their 
offspring among the peoples ; all that see them shall 
acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Jeho- 
vah hath blesged, 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of 
Jehovah is risen upon thee. For, behold, darkness shall 
cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples ; but 
Jehovah will arise upon thee, and his glory shall be 
seen upon thee. And nations shall come to thy light, 
and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 

Ptaper pioyd W. Tomkins 

EAR Lord, my Redeemer and my Savior, I thank 
Thee that I can come to Thee and find Thee always 
ready to hear ^ and to bless. Thou knowest my heart 
and so I am not afraid to come. Thou lovest me, and 
so I long to come. Thou hast a w^ork for me to do for 
Thee, and so I come eagerly and gladly. How won- 
derful Thou art, O Thou blessed Christ, in Thy friend- 
ship and care! To whom could I go save to Thee? I 
come hungry and Thou dost feed me. I am weary and 
Thou dost rest me. I come in weakness and Thou 
dost strengthen m.e. I love Thee, dear Jesus. Ilelp rne 
to love Thee more. Take away all that can come be- 
tween Thee and me. Wash me from sin, known and 
unknown, that I may be made fit for Thy holy pres- 
ence. Lead me in the way Thou hast prepared for 
me and help me to work for Thee and with Thee. As 
I meet trouble, let me not be afraid; as I am per- 
plexed, let me see Thy light to guide me. If I falter 
in doubt, speak Thou to my soul, and let me never for- 
get that I am Thine since Thou hast died for me. 
Amen and Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



97 



Bible Reading S7 Jeremiah 8: 

OREOVER thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith 
Jehovah: Shall men fall, and not rise up again? 
shall one turn away, and not return? Why then is 
this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual 
backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to re- 
turn. I hearkened and heard, but they spake not 
aright : no man repenteth him of his wickedness, say- 
ing, What have I done? every one turneth to his course, 
as a horse that rusheth headlong in the battle. Yea, 
the stork in the heavens knoweth her appointed times ; 
and the turtle-dove and the swallow and the crane ob- 
serve the time of their coming; but my people know 
not the law of Jehovah. ^ * ^ 

And they have healed the hurt of the daughter of 
my people slightly, saying. Peace, peace ; when there 
is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had com- 
mitted abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, 
neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall 
among them that fall; in the time of their visitation 
they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah. I will utterly 
consume them, saith Jehovah : there shall be no grapes 
on the vine, nor figs on the fig-tree, and the leaf shall 
fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass 
away from them. 

Oh that I could comfort myself against sorrow; my 
heart is faint within me. Behold, the voice of the cry 
of the daughter of my people from a land that is very 
far off: Is not Jehovah in Zion? is not her King in 
her? Why have they provoked me to anger with their 
graven images, and with foreign vanities? The harvest 
is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 



98 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt : 
I mourn; dismay hath taken hold on me. Is there no 
balm in Gilead? is there no physician there? why then 
is not the health of the daughter of my people recov- 
ered ? 

PtapCt Common Worship 

iMOST holy and merciful Father : We acknowledge 
and confess in Thy presence : Our sinful nature 
prone to evil and slothful in good : And all our short- 
comings and offenses against Thee : Thou alone know- 
est how often we have sinned: In wandering from 
Thy ways : In wasting Thy gifts : In forgetting Thy 
love. But Thou, O Lord, have pity upon us ; who are 
ashamed and sorry for all wherein we have displeased 
Thee. Teach us to hate our errors; Cleanse us from 
our secret faults ; And forgive our sins ; For the sake 
of Thy dear Son, our Savior. And O, most holy and 
loving Father; send Th}^ purif^^ing grace into our 
hearts, we beseech Thee; That we may henceforth live 
in Thy light and walk in Th}^ ways : according to the 
commandments of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

A new commandment Thou hast given us — that we 
should love one another. Lord, draw us to Thyself and 
teach us the power of love. Help us to learn that love 
is supreme, and hence envieth not, nor vaunteth itself, 
nor seeketh its own, but suffereth long and is kind. 
Fill us with Thy love. Make us gentle, courteous, and 
forbearing; for His sake Who loved us, and gave Him- 
self for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE OLD TESTAMENT 



99 



Ci)e potoet of ptapet 

Bible Reading 38 Daniel 6: 

T pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred 
and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the 
whole kingdom; and over them three presidents, of 
whom Daniel was one; that these satraps might give 
account unto them, and that the king should have no 
damage. Then this Daniel was distinguished above the 
presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit 
was in him; and the king thought to set him over the 
whole realm. 

Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find 
occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom ; but 
they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as 
he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault 
found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find 
any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it 
against him concerning the law of his God. Then these 
presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, 
and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 
All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and 
the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have 
consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to 
make a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a 
petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of 
thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 
Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writ- 
ing, that it be not changed, according to the law of 
the i\Iedes and Persians, which altereth not. Where- 
fore king Darius signed the writing and the interdict. 

And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, 
he went into his house (now his windows were open 
in his chamber toward Jerusalem) ; and he kneeled 



loo THE OLD TESTAMENT 



upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave 
thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. ^ * 

Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, 
and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king- 
spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou serv- 
est continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was 
brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the 
king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet 
of his lords ; that nothing might be changed concern- 
ing Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and 
passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of 
music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him. 

Then the king arose very early in the morning, and 
went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came 
near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable 
voice ; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, 
servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou 
servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 
Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 
My God hast sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' 
mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as be- 
fore him innocency was found in me; and also before 
thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king 
exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take 
Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out 
of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon 
him, because he had trusted in his God. 

Daniel A. Poling 

>rf'ATHER of us all, we thank Thee for the record of 
^ courageous men who in times past were unafraid 
when vast dangers threatened them. We thank Thee 
for an ancient faith that closed the mouths of lions 
and changed the purposes of a misguided king. We 
thank Thee for fidelity to truth that opened its win- 
dow toward Jerusalem in spite of the promise of death, 
and that by so doing, opened the heart of a heathen 
empire to Jerusalem's God. And, our Father, we thank 
Thee that in Daniel's triumphs there is a message of 



THE NEW TESTAMENT loi 



inspiration for to-day. Grant unto us the courage of 
the unspoiled Hebrew whom threats could not deter; 
grant unto us his quiet and unblustering fortitude, his 
far-eyed vision and his overwhelming faith. And as 
he was sufficient for his time, because his trust was in 
Thee, may we be adequate for "Such a time as this," 
because Thou art the Author and Finisher of our sal- 
vation. 

In the name and for the sake of Thy Son, our Lord 
and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



103 



Cfte annunciation 

Bible Reading 39 Luke i: 

OW in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent 
from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 
to a virgin betrothed to a mxan whose name was Joseph, 
of the house of David ; and the virgin's name was 
Mary. And he came in unto her, and said. Hail, thou 
that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee. But 
she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her 
mind what manner of salutation this rnight be. And 
the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary : for thou hast 
found favor with God. And behold, thou shalt con- 
ceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt 
call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be 
called the Son of the Most High : and the Lord God 
shall give unto him the throne of his father David : and 
he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever ; and 
of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said 
unto the angel. How shall this be, seeing I know not 
a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, 
The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power 
of the Most High shall overshadow thee : wherefore 
also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called 
the Son of God. And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, 
she also hath conceived a son in her old age ; and this 
is the sixth month with her that was called barren. 
For no word from God shall be void of power. And 
Mary said. Behold, the handmaid of the" Lord ; be it 
unto me according to thy word. And the angel de- 
parted from her. 

And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill 
country with haste, into a city of Judah ; and entered 



I04 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And 
it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of 
Mary, the babe leaped in her womb ; and Elisabeth was 
filled with the Holy Spirit; and she lifted up her voice 
with a loud cry, and said, Blessed art thou among 
women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And 
whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord 
should come unto me? For behold, when the voice of 
thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in 
my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed; 
for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have 
been spoken to her from the Lord. * * * And ]\Iary 
abode with her about three months, and returned unto 
her house. 



Robert Watson 

LMIGHTY God, Thou art supreme in our thought 
and affection. We draw near to Thee reverently 
yet boldly. We have an Advocate with Thee, even 
Jesus Christ. We thank Thee that He ever liveth to 
make intercession for us, that Thou art mindful of us 
and boldest our lives precious. We thank Thee for 
the Angel's message, for the gospel, new every morn- 
rng and sung afresh every evening. We are often 
''greatly troubled" by Thy revelations. The coming of 
Christ startles and amazes us ; Thy goodness doth em- 
barrass us and Thy loving kindness overwhelm us and 
Thy promises force us to cry: ^'How shall this be?" 
Be merciful and patient with us and lead on softly un- 
til we understand what Thou art doing for us ; then 
we will rejoice more than when corn and wine abound. 
Continue to teach us that all things are possible with 
Thee and that all things may become possible unto us. 
Revive us continuously by Thy Spirit and may Christ 
live in us and be reproduced in us. Deliver us from 
sin and let grace abound. Enable us to live, to serve, 
and to do everything according to Thy word, for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



105 



Cfte 15itt|) of 3fc0Ug 

Bible Reading 40 Matthew i: Luke 2: 

OW the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise : 
When his mother Mary had been betrothed to 
Joseph, before they came together she was found with 
child of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, 
being a righteous man, and not willing to make her 
a public example, w^as minded to put her away privily. 
But when he thought on these things, behold, an an- 
gel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, 
Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee 
]\Iary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is 
of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son; 
and thou shalt call his name Jesus ; for it is he that 
shall save his people from their sins. Now all this 
is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was 
spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying. 
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring 

forth a son. 
And they shall call his name Immanuel ; 
which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph 
arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord 
commanded him, and took unto him his wife, and knew 
her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called 
his name Jesus. 

Nov/ it came to pass in those days, there went out 
a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world 
should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment made 
when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went 
to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. And 
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of 
Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is 
called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and 



io6 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



family of David; to enrol himself with Mary, who 
was betrothed to him, being great with child. And 
it came to pass, while they were there, the days were 
fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought 
forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swad- 
dling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there 
was no room for them in the inn. 

And there were shepherds in the same country abid- 
ing in the field, and keeping watch by night over their 
flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and 
the glory of the Lord shone round about them : and 
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 
Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of 
great joy which shall be to all the people: for there 
is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, 
who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto 
j^ou : Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 
and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with 
the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising 
God, and saying. 

Glory to God in the highest. 

And on earth peace among men In whom he is well 
pleased. 

And it came to pass, when the angels went away 
from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to an- 
other. Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see 
this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath 
made known unto us. And they came with haste, and 
found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the 
manger. And when they saw it, they made known con- 
cerning the saying which was spoken to them about this 
child. And all that heard it wondered at the things 
which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But 
Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her 
heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and 
Draising God for all the things that they had heard and 
seen, even as it was spoken unto them. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



107 



Ptaper Wallace Radcliffe 

|lpHOU Son of ]\Iary, we worship Thee as Son of 
^ God ! Thou Babe of Bethlehem, we love Thee as 
Jesus who shall save Thy people from their sins! 
Open our eyes that we may see the Angel of Thy Pres- 
ence. Open our ears that we may hear the Good Tid- 
ings of Great Joy. Open our lips that we may sing 
the song of peace and good-will. Open our hearts that 
we may welcome Thy Presence within us. Make our 
lives Thy Bethlehem. Thou wast slain and hast re- 
deemed us unto God by Thy blood. Make us each a 
Christ-child that God may be made manifest in our 
flesh, and our lives become a word of God to our fel- 
lows. Glorify us with the consciousness of Thy Spirit 
that as of old our common work may shine with the 
beauty of Thy Holiness and be vocal with Thy praise. 
Thou art not ashamed to call us brethren. We know 
not what we shall be, but like Thyself would grow in 
stature and in favor with God and man. 

We look up to Thee as the child looks up to the 
Elder Brother. Lead us, protect us, comfort us, and 
deliver us at last into the joy of that multitude of the 
heavenly host who see Thee, and serve and praise eter- 
nally. For Thy Name's sake. Amen. 



io8 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



3fe0U0 in t^t Cemple 

Bible Reading 41 Luke 2: 

ND when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising 
him, his name was called Jesus, which was so 
called by the angel before he was conceived in the 
womb. 

And when the days of their purification according to 
the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up 
to Jerusalem, to. present him to the Lord (as it is writ- 
ten in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth 
the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), and to 
offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the 
law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young 
pigeons. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, 
whose name was Simeon ; and this man was righteous 
and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and 
the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been re- 
vealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not 
see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And 
he came in the Spirit into the temple : and when the 
parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do 
concerning him after the custom of the law, then he 
received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 

Now lettest thou thy servant depart. Lord, 

According to thy word, in peace; 

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation. 

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all 
peoples ; 

A light for revelation to the Gentiles, 

And the glory of thy people Israel. 

And. his father and his mother were marvelling at 
the things which were spoken concerning him; and 
Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 109 



Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising 
of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken 
against; yea and a sword shall pierce through thine 
own soul ; that thoughts out of many hearts may be 
revealed. ^ ^ And when they had accomplished all 
things that were according to the law of the Lord, they 
returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 

And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with 
wisdom : and the grace of God was upon him. 

And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at 
the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve 
years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; 
and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were re- 
turning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem ; 
and his parents knew it not; but supposing him to be 
in the compan}^, they went a day's journey; and they 
sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: 
and when they found him not, they returned to Jeru- 
salem, seeking for him. And it came to pass, after 
three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the 
midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking 
them questions : and all that heard him were amazed at 
his understanding and his answers. 

And when they saw him, they were astonished; and 
his mother said unto him. Son, why hast thou thus 
dealt with us .^^ behold, thy father and I sought thee 
sorrowing. And he said unto them. How is it that 
ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my 
Father's house? And they understood not the saying 
which he spake unto them. And he went down with 
them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto 
them : and his mother kept all these sayings in her 
heart. 

And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in 
favor with God and men. 



no THE NEW TESTAMENT 



George Matheson 

ON of God, Thou art never so royal to me as at the 
Manger, never so Kingly as in the Temple, never so 
regal as in Thy Sacrifice. Thy deepest miracle is in 
Thy mission — "Ever about Thy Father's Business/' 
Thou hast aspired to be the Lamb of God — the spot- 
less soul, without a stain. 

My heart needs Thee, O Lord, my heart needs Thee ! 
No part of my being needs Thee like my heart. All 
else within me can be filled by Thy gifts. My hunger 
can be satisfied by daily bread. My thirst can be al- 
layed by earthly waters. My cold can be removed by 
household fires. My weariness can be relieved by out- 
ward rest. But no outward thing can make my heart 
pure. The calmest day will not calm my passions. The 
fairest scene will not beautify my soul. The richest 
music will not make harmony within. The breezes can 
cleanse the air, but no breeze can cleanse a spirit. 

This world has not provided for my heart. Provide 
Thou for my heart, O Lord. Be Thou the strength 
of my heart. Be Thou its fortress in temptation, its 
shield in remorse, its covert in the storm, its star in 
the night, its voice in the solitude. Guide it in its 
gloom; help it in its hope; direct it in its doubt; calm 
it in its conflict, and bring it at last to the Eternal 
Home, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 



THE NEW TESTAMENT in 



C|)e 15apti0m anD Cemptation 

Bible Reading 42 Matthew 3:4: 

HEN Cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto 
John, to be baptized of him. But John would have 
hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of 
thee, and comest thou to me? But Jesus answering 
said unto him, Suffer it now : for thus it becometh us 
to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him. And 
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway^ from 
the water : and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, 
and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, 
and coming upon him ; and lo, a voice out of the heav- 
ens, saying. This is. my beloved Son, in whom I am 
well pleased. 

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilder- 
ness to be temxpted of the devil. And when he had 
fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hun- 
gered. And the tempter came and said unto him. If 
thou art the Son of God, command that these stones 
become bread. But he answered and said. It is writ- 
ten, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every 
word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then 
the devil taketh him into the holy city ; and he set him 
on the pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If 
thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is 
written, 

He shall give his angels charge concerning thee : 
and, 

On their hands they shall bear thee up. 
Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone. 
Jesus said unto him. Again it is written. Thou shalt 
not make trial of the Lord thy God. Again, the devil 



112 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and show- 
eth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory 
of them; and he said unto him. All these things will 
I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan : for 
it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, 
and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth 
him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him. 

George E. Hun t 

THOU, our Father, Who leadest us through the 
kindly discipline of daily toil and pain, prepare our 
hearts for the supreme moment of testing that comes 
to us all — as it came to Jesus our Master. When we 
are tempted as He was to use our power for selfish 
ends, to use our place for posing or making a brave 
show in the flesh, or to acquire power for ourselves 
by using the easy and brutish methods of the flesh ; 
then, O God, may we see Jesus in the wilderness — and 
follow Him even though that path lead to suffering 
and the Cross. 

O, Thou God of Truth and Love, may we know full 
well the eternal difference between Jesus' way and the 
devil's way — between the straight plain path of spir- 
itual clean living, and the dull unthinking drift of the 
world — between spiritual reality and the illusions of 
the flesh. May we live in the freedom of God's truth 
and the joy of God's love — and let the power of good- 
ness keep us calm when the world clamors for the 
brutal way of force. 

In these days of dependence upon the arm of the 
flesh, help us to nobly trust the Power of the Spirit. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 113 



Ct)e Crangfigutation 

Bible Reading 43 Luke 9: 

ND it came to pass about eight days after these 
sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and 
James, and went up into the mountain to pray. And 
as he was praying, the fashion of his countenance was 
altered, and his raiment became white and dazzling. 
And behold, there talked with him two men, who were 
Moses and Elijah; who appeared in glory, and spake 
of his decease which he was about to accomplish at 
Jerusalem. Now Peter and they that were with him 
were heavy with sleep : but when they were fully 
awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood 
with him. And it came to pass, as they were parting 
from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good 
for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; 
one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: 
not knowing what he said. And while he said these 
things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them : 
and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And 
a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, 
my chosen : hear ye him. And when the voice came, 
Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and 
told no man in those days any of the things which 
they had seen. 

James G. K. McClure 

VER Blessed God, we rejoice that Thou hast power 
within Thyself so to transfigure the seemingly hu- 
man, and to so illumine Jesus that, clad in His every- 
day raiment as He was. He was manifested as the 
transcendently beautiful, the eternally glorious. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



We thank Thee that Jesus thus was seen as He is, 
the very image of thine own adorable self, the Chosen 
One of Thy grace, through the hearing and obedience of 
whose words the souls of all mankind find the way of 
everlasting life. 

We earnestly pray that in this present time, Jesus 
shall be so revealed to every human heart that all peo- 
ple shall be led to seek fellowship with Him. To that 
end, grant that before our minds every feature of the 
will of Jesus may be so transfigured that common 
duties shall be haloed with brightness, and even rou- 
tine and drudgery shall glisten with the very reflec- 
tion of heaven. And if the opportunity for serving 
Thy needy earth in its darkness of sin and weakness 
lies far down from the heights of exalted experiences, 
still wherever we are may there always be in our 
hearts the courage and the confidence of the heavenly 
light which shone upon the Mount of Transfiguration 
of Jesus, our Lord. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT ns 



Clje Cnumpfjal OBnttp 

Bible Reading 44 Matthew 21: 

ND when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came 
unto Bethphage, unto the mount of OHves, then 
Jesus sent two disciples, saying unto them. Go into 
the village that is over against you, and straightway 
ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her : loose 
them, and bring them unto me. And if any one say 
aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of 
them; and straightway he will send them. Now this 
is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was 
spoken through the prophet, saying, 
Tell ye the daughter of Zion, 
Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, 
Meek, and riding upon an ass, 
And upon a colt the foal of an ass. 
And the disciples went, and did even as Jesus ap- 
pointed them, and brought the ass, and the colt, and 
put on them their garments ; and he sat thereon. And 
the most part of the multitude spread their garments in 
the way; and others cut branches from the trees, and 
spread them in the way. And the multitudes that went 
before him, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna 
to the son of David : Blessed is he that cometh in the 
name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when 
he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, 
saying. Who is this? And the multitudes said, This is 
the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee. 



ii6 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



William H. Poole 

Q[LMIGHTY God, whose Blessed Son, Jesus Christ, 
^ entered Jerusalem in the manner foretold by the 
prophets, and was hailed as the Messiah by those wno 
afterwards cried ''Crucify Him !" mercifully deliver us 
from the sin of disloyalty. As our Master chose un- 
swerving allegiance to the truth as it was revealed to 
him by the light within him, even though His ch©ice 
involved the Cross, so may we face difficulties and 
death rather than desert the best we know. Help us 
to be the friends of our fellow men in the dark days 
of adversit}", as well as in the times of prosperity. If 
they fail to realize our ambitions, grant to us the grace 
of patience and the gift of tolerance. Enable us to 
forgive our enemies and persecutors and transform 
them into friends. Bind us all together as loyal citi- 
zens of our country, and of the world, that we may do 
our part in the establishment and preservation of the 
Kingdom of Righteousness in which we may all dwell 
together in unity and peace. 

All which we ask through Him who dies to defend 
the highest, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 117 



Cije La0t Supper 

Bible Reading 43 Matthew 26: 

^OW on the first day of unleavened bread the dis- 
ciples came to Jesus, saying, Where wilt thou that 
we make ready for thee to eat the passover? And he 
said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, 
The Teacher saith. My time is at hand; I keep the 
passover at thy house with my disciples. And the dis- 
ciples did as Jesus appointed them; and they made 
ready the passover. 

Now when even was come, he was sitting at meat 
with the twelve disciples ; and as they were eating, he 
said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall be- 
tray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and 
began to say unto him every one, Is it I, Lord? And 
he answered and said. He that dippeth his hand with 
me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of 
man goeth, even as it is written of him : but woe unto 
that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! 
good were it for that man if he had not been born. 
And Judas, who betrayed him, answered and said, 
Is it I, Rabbi? He saith unto him. Thou hast said. 

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and 
blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and 
said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took a cup, 
and gave thanks, and gave to them, saying. Drink ye 
all of it; for this is my blood of the covenant, which 
is poured out for many unto remission of sins. But I 
say unto you, I shall not drink henceforth of this 
fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new 
with you in my Father's kingdom. 

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out 
into the mount of Olives. 



ii8 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



PtapCr A. B. Meldrum 

UR Father, we pray for the honest heart and the 
candid mind. Save us from every form of self- 
deceit. As we dip our hands into the dish with Thee 
forbid that our souls should be filled with vanity and 
sin. Search us, O God, and know our hearts, try us 
and know our thoughts, and see if there be any wicked 
way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting. 

O Thou, who didst so love us, help us to be ever 
loyal to Thee. In Thy blessed service may we find 
our truest joy. By Thy Spirit reveal unto us more 
and more the glory of Thy sacrifice, so that the love 
therein revealed may constrain us to give ourselves 
in grateful devotion to the work of lightening the 
burdens and comforting the hearts of those who are 
weary and heavy laden. May our lives be so fully con- 
secrated to Thee that every task we discharge shall 
be an act of worship, and every meal of which we par- 
take shall be as a Holy Sacrament. 

Make us brave, patient and hopeful. Be Thou our 
Guide in every perplexing path of life; our light and 
our salvation in every season of trial and darkness, 
until at length, by Thy grace, we reach the Land of 
Everlasting Morning. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 119 



Bible Reading 46 Matthew 26: 

HEN Cometh Jesus with them unto a place called 
Gethsemane, and saith unto his disciples, Sit ye 
here, while I go yonder and pray. And he took with 
him Peter- and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to 
be sorrowful and sore troubled. Then saith he unto 
them, I\Iy soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto 
death : abide ye here, and watch with me. And he 
went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, 
saying, ]\Iy Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass 
away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou 
wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth 
them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye 
not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that 
ye enter not into temptation : the spirit indeed is will- 
ing, but the flesh is weak. Again a second time he 
went away, and prayed, saying, My Father, if this 
cannot pass away, except I drink it, thy will be done. 
And he came again and found them sleeping, for their 
eyes were heavy. And he left them again, and went 
away, and prayed a third time, saying again the same 
words. Then cometh he to the disciples, and saith unto 
them, Sleep on now, and take your rest : behold, the 
hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into 
the hands of sinners. Arise, let us be going : behold, 
he is at hand that betrayeth me. 

George Brewer 

ORD, with reverent hearts, through prayer, we would 
enter into the deeper meaning of Gethsemane. We 
see the Man of Sorrows in the solitude of the moon- 



120 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



lit garden, praying in agony and tears that the bitter 
cup may be removed. We know that the bitterness of 
betrayal, treachery, desertion, mockery, rejection and 
death upon the cross were in that cup, but help us to 
realize the deeper bitterness. In coming to this earth 
as the Incarnate Son of God, Thou hast so identified 
Thyself with us as to share our struggles, feel our 
sorrows, and bear our sins, and in going to the cross, 
Thy death was not only the cure for sin, but also the 
judgment upon sinners. Therefore, we see Thee in 
Thy holy, sinless, solitary agony in the garden — suffer- 
ing spiritual crucifixion before the physical death on 
Calvary — drinking that bitter cup of sin's sacrifice and 
sin's judgment to the dregs. In solemn gratitude we 
thank Thee for Gethsemane, with its struggle, prayer, 
victory and peace. And now, having been with Thee, 
in the garden, forbid that we should desert Thee in 
the testing and purifying sorrows and struggles of life. 
May the memories of this bitter hour draw us away 
from all disloyalties and sins, and give us the victory, 
through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 121 



Bible Reading 47 Matthew 26: 

ND while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, 
came, and with him a great multitude with swords 
and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the 
people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, 
saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he : take him. 
And straightway he came to Jesus, and said. Hail, 
Rabbi; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, 
Friend, do that for which thou art come. Then they 
came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. And 
behold, one of them that were with Jesus stretched 
out his hand, and drew his sword, and smote the serv- 
ant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. Then 
saith Jesus unto him. Put up again thy sword into ^its 
place: for all they that take the sword shall perish 
with the sword. Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech 
my Father, and he shall even now send me more than 
twelve legions of angels? How then should the scrip- 
tures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? In that hour 
said Jesus to the multitudes. Are ye come out as 
against a robber with swords and staves to seize me? 
I sat daily in the temple teaching, and ye took me not. 
But all this is come to pass, that the scriptures of the 
prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples left 
him, and fled. 



Ptaper /. Wilbur Chapman 

LORD, our God, we tremble as we come before 
Thee, when we realize that it is possible for one 
who has followed Thee, and been beneath the sway of 



122 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Thine influence, to barter Thee for silver and to be- 
tray Thee with a kiss. 

The influence of the world is so distracting; the 
temptations of Satan are so insidious ; the so-called 
pleasures of the world are so deceptive; the pitfalls 
on every hand are so many and are so carefully hidden, 
that we feel the need of Thy help as never before. 

Lord, keep us in Thy love. Without Thee we shall 
fail. Make us conscious of Thy presence w^hen the 
Adversary confronts us. Teach us how to wield the 
sword of the Spirit of which he is so much afraid. 
Make Thy promises to be our comfort when we find 
ourselves in sudden need. 

May Jesus Christ, our Lord, be real to us and very 
near ; then shall we be more than conquerors. 

Forgive us for the times when we almost betrayed 
Thee, when but for Heaven's help we might have sold 
our Lord for less than thirty pieces of silver. 

We ask it in the name of Him who is our Savior, 
Keeper, Friend and ever-living Lord. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 123 



Cl)e Crial 

Bible Reading 48 Matthew 26:27: 

(7t ND they that had taken Jesus led him away to the 
^ house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes 
and the elders were gathered together. But Peter fol- 
lowed him afar off, unto the court of the high priest, 
and entered in, and sat with the officers, to see the end. 
Now the chief priests and the whole council sought 
false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to 
death; and they found it not, though rnany false wit- 
nesses came. But afterward came two, and said, This 
man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and 
to build it in three days. And the high priest stood 
up, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what 
is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held 
his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I ad- 
jure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether 
thou art the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto 
him, Thou hast said : nevertheless I say unto you, 
Henceforth ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the 
right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of 
heaven. Then the high priest rent his garments, say- 
ing. He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need 
have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the 
blaspherny : what think ye? They answered and said, 
He is worthy of death. Then did they spit in his face 
and buffet him : and some smote him with the palms of 
their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ : 
who is he that struck thee? 

Now when morning was come, all the chief priests 
and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus 
to put him to death : and they bound him, and led him 
away, and delivered him up to Pilate the governor. 



124 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the gov- 
ernor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the 
Jews? And Jesus said unto him. Thou sayest. And 
when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, 
he answered nothing. Then saith Pilate unto him, Hear- 
est thou not how many things they witness against 
thee? And he gave him no answer, not even to one 
word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 
Now at the feast the governor was wont to release 
unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. 
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 
When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate 
said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? 
Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? For he knew 
that for envy they had delivered him up. And while 
he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto 
him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that right- 
eous man; for I have suffered many things this day 
in a dream because of him. Now the chief priests 
and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they 
should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. But the 
governor answered and said unto them. Which of the 
two will ye that I release unto you? And they said, 
Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them. What then shall I 
do unto Jesus who is called Christ? They all say, Let 
him be crucified. And he said, Why, what evil hath he 
done? But they cried out exceedingly, saying. Let him 
be crucified. So when Pilate saw that he prevailed 
nothing, but rather that a tumult was arising, he took 
water, and washed his hands before the multitude, say- 
ing, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man ; 
see ye to it. And all the people answered and said, 
His blood he on us, and on our children. Then re- 
leased he unto them Barabbas ; but Jesus he scourged 
and delivered to be crucified. 

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into 
the Prsetorium, and gathered unto him the whole band. 
And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 
And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon 
his head, and a reed in his right hand ; and they kneeled 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



125 



down before him, and mocked him, saying. Hail, King 
of the Jews ! And they spat upon him, and took the 
reed and smote him on the head. And when they had 
mxocked him, they took off from him the robe, and put 
on him his garments, and led him away to crucify him. 

Charles Wood 

THOU who wert in the beginning with God, and 
^ without whom was not anything made that was 
made, we thank Thee that Thou didst empty Thyself of 
Thy glory, and though Thou wert rich, yet for our 
sakes Thou didst become poor ! We bless Thee that 
Thou didst not turn aside from, any human experience, 
temptation or trial. Thou wert tempted in all points 
like as we are. Thou, the Son of God, didst stand as 
a prisoner before cruel and heartless men, waiting in 
silent patience for them to pass sentence on Thee be- 
fore whose throne of judgment nations at last are to 
be brought. May Thy mind be on us. May humility 
like Thine always have full play and be glorified in 
us, our hearts and lives. ]\Iay we never be humiliated 
or shamed by any position into which duty has led us. 
May we have no fear of kings, governors or mighty 
men, for Thou v/ilt stand by our side, and may we have 
no fear of death for Thou didst conquer this last 
enemy of mankind for Thyself and for us. Amen. 



126 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Cl)c CrucifiEion 

Bible Reading 49 Matthew 2/: 

QfND as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, 
^ Simon by name; him they compelled to go with 
them, that he might bear his cross. 

And when they were come unto a place called Gol- 
gotha, that is to say. The place of a skull, they gave 
him wine to drink mingled with gall : and when he had 
tasted it, he would not drink. And when they had 
crucified him, they parted his garments among them, 
casting lots ; and they sat and watched him there. And 
they set up over his head his accusation written, This 
IS Jesus the King of the Jews. Then are there cru- 
cified with him two robbers, one on the right hand and 
one on the left. And they that passed by railed on 
him, wagging their heads, and saying. Thou that de- 
stroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save 
thyself: if thou art the Son of God, come down from 
the cross. In like manner also the chief priests mock- 
ing him, with the scribes and elders, said. He saved 
others ; himself he cannot save. He is the King of 
Israel ; let him now come down from the cross, and 
we will believe on him. He trusteth on God ; let him 
deliver him now, if he desireth him: for he said, I am 
the Son of God. And the robbers also that were cru- 
cified with him cast upon him the same reproach. 

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over 
all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth 
hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, 
lama sabachthani? that is. My God, my God, why hast 
thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood 
there, when they heard it, said. This man called Eli- 
jah. And straightway one of them ran, and took a 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 127 



sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, 
and gave him to drink. And the rest said. Let be; let 
us see whether Elijah cometh to save him. And Jesus 
cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 
And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two 
from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; 
and the rocks were rent; and the tombs were opened; 
and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep 
were raised; and coming forth out of the tombs after 
his resurrection they entered into the holy city and 
appeared unto many. Now the centurion, and they 
that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw 
the earthquake, and the things that ^ere done, feared 
exceedingly, saying. Truly this was the Son of God. 
And many women were there beholding from afar, 
who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering 
unto him : among whom was Mary Magdalene, and 
Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother 
of the sons of Zebedee. 



Prapet Charles C. Albertson 

Q[LMIGHTY God, Who hast given us a Savior in 
Jesus Christ; we give Thee hearty thanks for His 
life in all its stages; for its beautiful infancy, its 
reverent childhood, its dedicated youth, its years of 
labor and of love, and for that glorified Passion which 
crowned the whole. Give us grace so to follow His 
good example that in all things we may please Thee 
who hast called us to glory and honor and immor- 
tality. As Thou didst call Thy Son, our Savior, to 
pass through death that so He might give life to the 
world; so do Thou help us daily to die unto sin that 
we may live unto righteousness. Give us patience 
in the hour of pain and trial. Make every agony of 
flesh and spirit a sacrament unto our souls. Cause 
us to be more than conquerors through Him that loved 
us; for His Nome's sake. Amen. 



128 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Cf)e 15unal anti laesurrection 

Bible Reading 50 Matthew 2^:28: 

ND when even was come, there came a rich man 
from Arimathasa, named Joseph, who also himself 
was Jesus' disciple; this man went to Pilate, and 
asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded 
it to be given up. And Joseph took the body, and 
wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his 
own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: 
and he rolled a great stone to the aoor of the tomb, 
and departed. And Mary Magdalene was there, and 
the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. 

Now on the morrow, which is the day after the 
Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were 
gathered together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we re- 
member that that deceiver said while he was yet 
alive, After three days I rise again. Command there- 
fore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third 
day, lest haply his disciples come and steal him away, 
and say unto the people. He is risen from the dead: 
and the last error will be worse than the first. Pilate 
said unto them, Ye have a guard : go, make it as sure 
as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre 
sure, sealing the stone, the guard being with them. 

Now late on the sabbath day, as it began to dawn 
toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magda- 
lene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And 
behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of 
the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled 
away the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was 
as lightning, and his raiment white as snow : and for 
fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 129 



dead men. And the angel answered and said unto 
the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek 
Jesus, who hath been crucified. He is not here ; for 
he is risen, even as he said. Come, see the place where 
the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples, 
He is risen from the dead; and lo, he goeth before 
you into Galilee ; there shall ye see him : lo, I have 
told you. And they departed quickly from the tomb 
with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples 
word. And behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. 
And they came and took hold of his feet, and wor- 
shipped him. Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not : 
go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, 
and there shall they see me. 

Now while they were going, behold, some of the 
guard came into the city, and told unto the chief 
priests all the things that were come to pass. And 
when they were assembled with the elders, and had 
taken counsel, they gave much money unto the sol- 
diers, saying. Say ye. His disciples came by night, and 
stole him away while we slept. And if this come to 
the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and rid 
you of care. So they took the money, and did as they 
were taught : and this saying was spread abroad among 
the Jews, and continueth until this day. 

Ptaper Robert G. Ramsay 

E praise Thee, O God, for the hope of resurrec- 
tion through Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Assure our 
hearts by His victory over the grave. May we have 
firm faith in our redemption through Him. Let us know 
the joy of those to whom the angel said, "He is not 
here; for He is risen, as He said.'' 

May we be comforted also, O Lord, by the thought 
and hope of reunion in the day of resurrection. By Thy 
power Thou wilt glorify this dust and cause the spirit 
again to inhabit it. Once more we shall fellowship 
with those whom we have "loved and lost awhile." 



130 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



May we be patient and active in Thy service till the 
day eternal breaks and the shadows forever flee away. 
Let the hope of heaven sustain us while we bear earth's 
burdens and in the hour of adversity may we remem- 
ber that Thou wilt one day wipe away all tears from 
our eyes. So let us be calm and confident when the 
shadows deepen, and may Thy Presence deliver us 
from all fear. 

Graciously hear this our prayer for ourselves and 
those dear to us, for the sake of Thy Son, our Savior. 
Amen. 



THE NEIV TESTAMENT 



131 



Cl)rigf0 laeappeatance 

Bible Reading 31 John 2//.: Luke 20: 

ND behold, two of them were going that very day 
to a village named Emmaus, which was three- 
score furlongs from Jerusalem. And they communed 
with each other of all these things which had hap- 
pened. And it came to pass, while they communed 
and questioned together, that Jesus himself drew near, 
and went with them. But their eyes were holden that 
they should not know him. And he said unto them. 
What comm_unications are these that ye have one with 
another, as ye walk? And they stood still, looking 
sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answering said 
unto him. Dost thou alone sojourn in Jerusalem and 
not know the things which are come to pass there in 
these days? And he said unto them. What things? 
And they said unto him. The things concerning Jesus 
the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and 
word before God and all the people : and how the chief 
priests and our rulers delivered him up to be con- 
demned to death, and crucified him. But we hoped that 
it was he who should redeem Israel. Yea and besides 
all this, it is now the third 'day since these things came 
to pass. Moreover certain women of our company 
amazed us, having been early at the tomb ; and when 
they found not his body, they came, saying, that they 
had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was 
alive. And certain of them that were with us went to 
the tom.b, and found it even so as the women had said : 
but him they saw not. And he said unto them, O fool- 
ish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the 
prophets have spoken ! Behooved it not the Christ to 



132 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



suffer these things, and to enter into his glory? And 
beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he 
interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things con- 
cerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, 
whither they were going: and he made as though he 
would go further. And they constrained him, saying. 
Abide with us ; for it is toward evening, and the day 
is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them. 
And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them 
to meat, he took the bread and blessed ; and breaking 
it he gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and 
they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 
And they said one to another, Was not our heart burn- 
ing within us, while he spake to us in the way, while 
he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up 
that very hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found 
the eleven gathered together, and they that were with 
them, saying. The Lord is risen indeed, and hath ap- 
peared to Simon. And they rehearsed the things that 
happened in the way, and how he was known of them 
in the breaking of the bread. 

When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first 
day of the week, and when the doors were shut where 
the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came 
and stood in the midst, and saith unto them. Peace he 
unto you. And when he had said this, he showed unto 
them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore 
were glad, when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore 
said to them again. Peace he unto you: as the Father 
hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had 
said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, 
Receive ye the Holy Spirit: whose soever sins ye for- 
give, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever sins 
ye retain, \h^y are retained. 

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was 
not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples 
therefore said unto him. We have seen the Lord. But 
he said unto them. Except I shall see in his hands the 
print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 133 



the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not be- 
lieve. 

And after eight days again his disciples were within, 
and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being 
shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace he unto 
you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, 
and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put 
it into my side : and be not faithless, but believing. 
Thomas answered and said unto him. My Lord and my 
God. Jesus said unto him. Because thou hast seen 
me, thou hast believed : blessed are they that have not 
seen, and yet have believed. 

l^tflpCt George R. Dickinson 

/4l^ATHER in Heaven, we thank Thee that He whom 
^ Thou didst send to be our Savior, is the same yes- 
terday, to-day and forever; that in all His human and 
divine sympathy He is living, and is with us always. 

We thank Thee that Thou hast not withdrawn the 
disclosure of Thyself in Christ, that Thou art not far 
off, and that we do not walk alone. 

Open Thou our eyes by the touch and anointing of 
Thy Spirit that we may see the presence of the risen 
Lord by our side in all our journeyings, — -as we walk 
and talk by the wayside, as we face our problems and 
difficulties in sunshine or in shadow, as we sit in the 
home at the common meal, as we perform our ordinary 
tasks, as we go on some errand of sy'mpathy or of 
service. 

We would fain see Him whom, not having seen with 
the natural eye, we love. We would hear Him speak 
the word of peace. We would have our hearts burn 
again in His presence and our faith confirmed anew in 
Him as our Divine Lord. 

Speak to us, Lord, and send us forth to witness and 
to serve in the sense of .Thy living and loving fellow- 
ship and power. 

For Thy Name's sake we ask it. Amen. 



134 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Eeappeatance anD ascension 

Bible Reading 52 John 21: Matthew 28: Luke 24: 

FTER these things Jesus manifested himself again 
to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he mani- 
fested himself on this wise. There were together Si- 
mon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael 
of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two 
other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, 
I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with 
thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and 
that night they took nothing. But when day was now 
breaking, Jesus stood on the beach : yet the disciples 
knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore saith unto 
them^ Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered 
him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the 
right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast there- 
fore, and now they were not able to draw it for the 
multitude of fishes. * * * Jesus saith unto them, Come 
and break your fast. And none of the disciples durst 
inquire of him. Who art thou? knowing that it was the 
Lord. Jesus cometh, and taketh the bread, and giveth 
them, and the fish likewise. This is now the third 
time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after 
that he was risen from the dead. 

But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the 
mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when 
the}^ saw him, they worshipped hint] but some doubted. 
And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, 
All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and 
on earth. Go ye therefore, a^nd make disciples of all 
the nations, baptizing them into the name of the 
Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teach- 



THE NEW TESTAMENT I35 



ing them to observe all things whatsoever I command- 
ed you : and lo, I am with you always, even unto the 
end of the world. 

And he said unto them, These are my words which 
I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all 
things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the 
law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, con- 
cerning me. Then opened he their mind, that they 
might understand the scriptures ; and he said unto them, 
Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and 
rise again from the dead the third day; and that re- 
pentance and remission of sins should be preached in 
his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jeru- 
salem. Ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, 
I send forth the promise of my Father upon you : but 
tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power 
from on high. 

And he led them out until they were over against 
Bethany : and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 
And it came to pass, v/hile he blessed them, he parted 
from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they 
worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great 
joy: and were continually in the temple, blessing God. 

Paul R. Hick ok 

LMIGHTY God, our loving Father, we worship 
Thee, and with thanksgiving we acknowledge that 
it is in Thee we live and move and have our being. 
We remember the care in which Thou dost keep all 
Thy children, the mercies new every morning and 
fresh every evening. Help us then, O God, to turn 
away from all sin, and to have our words, our thoughts, 
and our outward acts acceptable in Thy sight. Keep 
us near unto Thee in daily walk and purpose, with 
the same mind in us which was also in Christ Jesus. 

Make Thyself known unto us, O God, in the experi- 
ences of every day. Reveal Thyself in tenderness and 
sympathy, as Christ revealed Himself to His disciples. 



136 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Give to us the vision of opportunity and service which 
in His reappearance He gave to them. Make us know 
that we, like them, are daily to go forth with His 
authority, to manifest His life and spirit, to let the 
light of His character shine forth in us for the glory 
of God the Father, and to lead men to. observe all 
things whatsoever Christ commanded. And to Thee, 
O God, shall be all the praise and honor forever. 
Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT i37 



petition on tlje Qiount 

Bible Reading 33 Matthew 5: 

ND seeing the multitudes, he went up into the 
mountain : and when he had sat down, his disciples 
came unto him: and he opened his mouth and taught 
them, saying, 

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the king- 
dom of heaven. 

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be com- 
forted. 

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the 
earth. 

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after right- 
eousness : for they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called 
sons of God. 

Blessed are they that have been persecuted for 
righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of 
heaven. 

Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and 
persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you 
falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: 
for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted 
they the prophets that were before you. 

Ye are the salt of the earth : but if the salt have 
lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thence- 
forth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trod- 
den under foot of men. . Ye are the light of the world. 
A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men 
light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the 
stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 



138 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Even so let your light shine before men; that they 
may see your good works, and glorify your Father who 
is in heaven. 

Ptaper Edgar W. Work 

(1^ HOHX Great Teacher of the multitudes and of 
all who look to Thee, teach us the truth of divine 

goodness, the wondrous joys of repentance, the rich 
rewards of obedience, the deep satisfaction of the com- 
panionship of Jesus, and all the marvelous inspirations 
of thy glorious word. 

Teach us the courage of unrewarded toil — the nobil- 
ity of speech and the splendor of silence, the gladness 
of humble service done in love, and all the masterful 
uplift of that fine music of the heart that sings amidst 
the shadows. 

Teach us the patience of unanswered prayer, the 
otrength of discipline, the sacred stillness of life's 
problems, the softened meaning of life's shadows, and 
all the high reaches of life's far-reaching and flam- 
ing hopes. 

Teach us the value of love and the warm joys of a 
dedicated hearthstone: the revelation of life in the 
heart of a child, the message of truth in the heart of 
a friend, and all the endless inspiration to service in 
the heart of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT i39 



Bible Reading 54 Matthew 6: 

AY not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, 
where moth and rust consume, and where thieves 
break through and steal : but lay up for yourselves 
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth 
consume, and where thieves do not break through nor 
steal : for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart 
be also. The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore 
thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of 
light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall 
be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in 
thee be darkness, how great is the darkness ! No man 
can serve two masters : for either he will hate the one, 
and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and 
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 
Therefore I say unto you. Be not anxious for your 
life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet 
for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life 
more than the food, and the body than the raiment? 
Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, 
neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; and your 
heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much 
more value than they? And which of you by being 
anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his 
life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? 
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they 
toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that 
even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one 
of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the 
field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the 
oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little 
faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying. What shall 



140 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall 
we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gen- 
tiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye 
have need of all these things. But seek ye first his 
kingdom, and his righteousness ; and all these things 
shall be added unto you. ^Be not therefore anxious for 
the morrow : for the morrow will be anxious for itself. 
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

Benjamin B. Wariiield. 

iiiriOST Gracious Father, we lift up our hearts unto 
Thee, from Whom alone comes our strength. 
Help us to trust Thee so wholly that we trust Thee in 
the dark. Thy mercies are fresh every morning and 
renewed to us every night. Help us to praise Thee for 
Thy goodness and to rest in Thy love. Thou knowest 
what we have need of before we ask Thee. Grant us 
all that Thou seest we need. Save us from suffering 
and want, from sickness and misery, from doubt and 
perplexity, from temptation and sin. Teach us that 
Thou carest for us, and that nothing can harm us or 
separate us from Thy love. Relieve us from anxiety 
and fear, that our minds may be at leisure from them- 
selves to soothe and sympathize. Make us useful in 
the world in which Thou hast placed us, and zealous 
in service for Thee. Forgive us our sins ; give us 
Thy Spirit to dwell within us, and grant us the joy 
of conscious communion with Thee. Conform us ever 
more closely to Thine image as Thou hast revealed it 
to us in Jesus Christ ; lead us in the paths of holiness ; 
and take us at last to dwell forever in Thy presence, 
the recipients of Thy favor and love. We ask in the 
Name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

From "God's Minute." Copyrig-hted. Used by Per- 
mission. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 141 



Bible Reading 55 Matthew 10: 

(?t DISCIPLE is not above his teacher, nor a servant 
^ above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that 
he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If 
they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, 
how much more them of his household? Fear them 
not therefore : for there is nothing covered, that shall 
not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be knov^n. 
What I tell you in the darkness, speak ye in the light ; 
and v^hat ye hear in the ear, proclaim upon the house- 
tops. And be not afraid of them that kill the body, 
but are not able to kill the soul : but rather fear him 
who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are 
not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of 
them shall fall on the ground without your Father : 
but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear 
not therefore : ye are of more value than many spar- 
rows. Every one therefore who shall confess me be- 
fore men, him will I also confess before my Father 
who is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before 
men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in 
heaven. 

Think not that I came to send peace on the earth : I 
came not to send peace, but a sword. For I came to 
set a man at variance against his father, and the daugh- 
ter against her mother, and the daughter in law against 
her mother in law: and a man's foes shall be they of 
his own household. . He that loveth father or mother 
more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth 
son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 
And he that doth not take his cross and follow after 
me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall 



142 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall 
find it. 

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that re- 
ceiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that re- 
ceiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall re- 
ceive a prophet's reward : and he that receiveth a right- 
eous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive 
a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give 
to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold 
water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto 
you he shall in no wise lose his reward. 

PrapCt Laughlin M. Watt 

GOD, whose love makes every morning sweet and 
fair, and every evening full of new hopes and 
dreams, we thank Thee for the fresh opportunities 
which Thou hast given us. 

We thank Thee that Thou hast given us grace to be 
patient with life's worries and sufferings, for the daily 
task, keeping us brave enough to face what irks us 
oftentimes. We dare not meet the darkness or the day 
unless Thy love be with us ; and sleeping and waking 
would alike be full of pain and fear, but for Thy pity 
which moves beside us as we go about our business, 
and watches near us till the morning's dawn. 

Sweet is Thy love, O Father. It takes away the 
bitterness from every cup of duty, and we see, through 
it, sunlight, where we thought that all was dark, and far 
stretching ways where all seemed trackless waste. 

Deepen our lives, that we may understand more 
clearly what we are, and learn more clearly what we 
may yet become. We ask not gain from godliness ; but 
grant us the treasure of golden deeds, and words of 
shining worth, wherewith to help the suffering and the 
poor, and guide the weary into calm. 

Remember all from whose life the light has faded, 
through sorrow, sickness, sin or shame, or by death's 
passing. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 143 



Bible Reading 56 Matthew 16: 

OW when Jesus came into the parts of Csesarea 
Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do 
men say that the Son of man is? And they said, Some 
say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jere- 
miah, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them. But 
who say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered 
and said. Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living 
God. And Jesus answered and said unto him. Blessed 
art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath 
not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in 
heaven. And I also say unto thee, that thou art 
Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church ; and 
the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will 
give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven : and 
whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in 
heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall 
be loosed in heaven. Then charged he the disciples 
that they should tell no man that he was the Christ. 

From that time began Jesus to show unto his disci- 
ples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many 
things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and 
be killed, and the third day be raised up. And Peter 
took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far 
from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee. But 
he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, 
Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou 
mindest not the things of God, but the things of men. 
Then said Jesus unto his disciples. If any man would 
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his 
cross, and follow me. For whosoever would save his 



144 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for 
my sake shall find it. For what shall a man be profited, 
if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? 
or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? 
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his 
Father with his angels ; and then shall he render unto 
every man according to his deeds. 

Walter Rauschenbusch 

GOD, we pray for Thy Church, which is set to-day 
amid the perplexities of a changing order, and face 
to face with a great new task. 

When we compare her with other human institu- 
tions we rejoice, for there is none like her. But when 
we judge her by the mind of her Master, we bow in 
pity and contrition. 

Baptize her afresh in the life-giving Spirit of Jesus. 
Grant her a new birth though it be the travail of re- 
pentance and humiliation. 

Bestow upon her a readier responsiveness to duty, a 
swifter compassion with suffering, and an utter loyalty 
to the will of God. 

Help her to proclaim boldly the coming of the King- 
dom and the doom of all who resist it. 

Fill her with the prophet's scorn at tyranny and 
with a Christ-like tenderness for the heavy laden. 

Give her faith to espouse the cause of the people, and 
in their hands that grope after freedom and light to 
recognize the bleeding hands of the Christ. Bid her 
cease from seeking her own life lest she lose it. 

Make her valiant to give up her life to humanity, that 
like her crucified Lord she may mount by the path of 
the cross to a higher glory, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT lAs 



Ctue (©reatne00 

Bible Reading 57 Matthew 18: 

N that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, 
Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 
And he called to him a little child, and set him in the 
midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except 
ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no 
wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever 
therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the 
same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And 
whoso shall receive one such little child in my name 
receiveth me: but whoso shall cause one of these little 
ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for 
him. that a great millstone should be hanged about his 
neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the 
sea. 

Woe unto the world because of occasions of stum- 
bling! for it must needs be that the occasions come; 
but woe to that man through whom the occasion com- 
eth ! And if thy hand or thy foot causeth thee to 
stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee : it is good 
for thee to enter into life maimed or halt, rather than 
having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eter- 
nal fire. And if thine eye causeth thee to -stumble, 
pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is good for thee 
to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two 
eyes to be cast into the hell of fire. See that ye de- 
spise not one of these little ones : for I say unto you, 
that in heaven their angels do always behold the face 
of my Father who is in heaven. How think ye? if any 
man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone 
astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go 
unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray? 



146 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he 
rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine 
which have not gone astray. Even so it is not the will 
of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these 
little ones should perish. 

William Carter 

UR Father and our Father's God, help us we pray 
Thee to appreciate our inheritance as Thy children 
so that we may never sell our birthright for the pottage 
of this world's pomp and show. Grant, O our Father, 
that each of us may remember that it is only as we keep 
young in faith and love that we can claim that inherit- 
ance and grow truly great within Thy Kingdom. May 
we always cherish a teachable spirit, a childlike trust 
and confidence in Thee. ]\Iay we also cherish childlike 
innocence and purity of heart that we ma}^ see Thy 
face and, cutting ourselves off from all impurity in 
word, and thought, and deed, live as Thy children ought 
to live before the world. 

Help us also, our dear Father, to cherish our own 
children, within our homes and within our church, as 
Thou dost cherish us and ma}^ we realize that in mold- 
ing and fashioning them we are molding and fashioning 
angels who shall at last behold Thy face. And, right- 
eous God, may we at last, through Thy dear grace, enter 
into that blessed inheritance with them, as Thou hast 
promiised, and find that through childlike faith, and 
trust, and love, we have grown great indeed. All this 
we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT H7 



Bible Reading 38 Matthew 25: 

UT when the Son of man shall come in his glory, 
and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on 
the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gath- 
ered all the nations : and he shall separate them one 
from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep 
from the goats ; and he shall set the sheep on his right 
hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King 
say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of 
my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from 
the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and 
ye gave me to eat; I was' thirsty, and ye gave me 
drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, 
and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I 
was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the 
righteous answer him, saying. Lord, when saw we 
thee hungry, and fed thee?, or athirst, and gave thee 
drink? And when saw we thee a stranger, and took 
thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? And when saw 
we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And 
the King shall answer and say unto them. Verily I say 
unto you. Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my 
brethren, eve^i these least, ye did it unto me. Then shall 
he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from 
me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared 
for the devil and his angels : for I was hungry, and 
ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave 
me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; 
naked, and ye clothed me not ; sick, and in prison, and 
ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer, say- 
ing, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a 
stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not 



148 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, say- 
ing, Verily I say unto you. Inasmuch as ye did it not 
unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me. And 
these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the 
righteous into eternal life. 

jPrapCt Mark Allison Matthews 

GOD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we come to 
Thee to express our gratitude for what Thou hast 
done for us, for the privileges Thou hast afforded us, 
for the commissions Thou hast given us, the fields 
Thou hast opened to us, for the work Thou hast as- 
signed us, and for the promise that Thou wilt accom- 
pany us and remain with us to the end of each succeed- 
ing period. 

We implore Thee to indue us with power, give us 
wisdom and direct us in every step and effort. Increase 
our faith and courage. Give us supernatural strength. 
Protect us, direct us, and use us. 

We are Thine, wholly Thine, and we would serve 
Thee exclusively, obey Thee absolutely and die for 
Thee. But if it is Thy will, make us fit to live for 
Thee, make us competent, efiicient and successful, not 
for our sakes but for Thy sake, "and the sake of those 
to whom Thou sendest us. 

Holy Spirit, grant these requests for Christ's sake. 
Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 149 



patalile of tfte Calent0 

Bible Reading 59 Matthew 25: 

>4f OR it is as when a man, going into another country, 
^ called his own servants, and delivered unto them 
his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to an- 
other two, to another one; to each according to his 
several ability; and he went on his journey. Straight- 
way he that received the five talents went and traded 
with them, and made other five talents. In like man- 
ner he also that received the two gained other two. 
But he that received the one went away and digged in 
the earth, and hid his lord's money. Now after a long 
time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a 
reckoning with them. And he that received the five 
talents came and brought other five talents, saying, 
Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents : lo, I have 
gained other five talents. His lord said unto him. 
Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been 
faithful over a few. things, I will set thee over many 
things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. And he 
also that received the two talents came and said. Lord, 
thou deliveredst unto me two talents : lo, I have gained 
other two talents. His lord said unto him, Well done, 
good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over 
a few things, I will set thee over many things ; enter 
thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that had 
received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew 
thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou 
didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scat- 
ter; and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy tal- 
ent in the earth : lo, thou hast thine own. But his lord 
answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful 
servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, 



150 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



and gather where I did not scatter ; thou oughtest there- 
fore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my 
coming I should have received back mine own with in- 
terest. Take ye away therefore the talent from him, 
and give it unto him that hath the ten talents. For 
unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall 
have abundance : but from him that hath not, eyen that 
which he hath shall be taken away. And cast ye out 
the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness : there 
shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 



l^t9pCt James Martineaii 

GOD, who hast commanded that no man should be 
idle, give us grace to employ all our talents and 
faculties in the service appointed for us; that, what- 
soever our hand findest to do, we may do it with our 
might. Cheerfully may we go in the road which Thou 
hast marked out, not desiring too earnestly that it 
should be either more smooth or more wide; but, daily 
seeking one way in Thy light, may we trust ourselves 
and the issue of our journey to Thee, the Fountain 
of joy, and sing songs of praise as we go along. 

No morning stars that sing together can have deeper 
call than we for grateful joy. Thou hast given us a 
life of high vocation, and Thine own breathing in our 
hearts interprets for us its sacred opportunities. Thou 
hast cheered the way with many dear affections and 
glimpses of solemn beauty and everlasting truth. Not 
a cloud of sorrow, but Thou hast touched with glory; 
not a dusty atmosphere of care, but Thy light shines 
through ! And, lest our spirits fail before Thine unat- 
tainable perfections. Thou hast set us in the train of 
Thy saints who have learned to take up the cross of 
sacrifice. May we also take up our cross daily and 
follow Thee. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 151 



Bible Reading 60 Mark 4: 

ND again he began to teach by the sea side. And 
there is gathered unto him a very great multitude, 
so that he entered into a boat, and sat in the sea ; and 
all the multitude were by the sea on the land. And he 
taught them many things in parables, and said unto 
them in his teaching. Hearken : Behold, the sower went 
forth to sow: and it came to pass, as he sowed, some 
seed fell by the way side, and the birds came and de- 
voured it. And other fell on the rocky ground, where 
it had not much earth; and straightway it sprang up, 
because it had no deepness of earth : and when the sun 
was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, 
it withered away. And other fell among the thorns, 
and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it 
yielded no fruit. And others fell into the good ground, 
and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and 
brought forth, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hun- 
dredfold. And he said, Who hath ears to hear, let 
him hear. 

And when he was alone, they that were about him 
with the twelve asked of him the parables. And he 
said unto them. Unto you is given the mystery of the 
kingdom of God : but unto them that are without, all 
things are done in parables : that seeing they may see, 
and not perceive ; and hearing they may hear, and not 
understand; lest haply they should turn again, and it 
should be forgiven them. And he saith unto them, 
Know ye not this parable ? and how shall ye know all 
the parables? The sower soweth the word. And these 
are they by the way side, where the word is sown; 
and when they have heard, straightway cometh Satan, 
and taketh away the word which hath been sown in 



152 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



them. And these in like manner are they that are 
sown upon the rocky places, who, when they have 
heard the word, straightway receive it with joy; and 
they have no root in themselves, but endure for a 
while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth be- 
cause of the word, straightway they stumble. And 
others are they that are sown among the thorns; these 
are they that have heard the word, and the cares of the 
world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of 
other things entering in, choke the word, and it becom- 
eth unfruitful. And those are they that were sown 
upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and 
accept it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixty fold, and 
a hundredfold. 



C. Waldo Cherry 

/f^H, Thou God of light and truth, deliver us from 
moral blindness and spiritual unreceptiveness. 
When Thou dost speak to us, whether it be in Thy 
temple or in the market place or in the place of lonely 
devotion, grant that our lives may not be so choked 
with worldly cares and interests, so hardened by selfish- 
ness, so petrified by sin, that Thy word shall have no 
lodgment in our hearts and no response in our wills. 
May Thy spirit accompany us and instruct us in all 
our devotions, so that day by day we may gain a richer 
knowledge of the things which eye hath not seen or ear 
heard, nor hath entered into the heart of man. Grant 
that every seed of truth which Thou dost sow in our 
hearts may bring forth fruit in conduct and in charac- 
ter. Dost Thy word point us to a cross, help us to bear 
it; to any service for others, make us swift to render it; 
to any sin we have cherished, help us to dethrone it; 
to any height ungained, help us to ascend it. So help 
us to receive Thy word of truth and to bring forth 
the fruit of the spirit in all love and joy and peace 
and righteousness. 
We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 153 



jFeeOi'ng tfte e@ultituDe 

Bihle Reading 6i Mark 6: 

ND the apostles gather themselves together unto 
Jesus ; and they told him all things, whatsoever 
they had done, and whatsoever they had taught. And 
he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into 
a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many 
coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as 
to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desert 
place apart. And the people saw them going, and many 
knew them, and they ran together there on foot from 
all the cities, and outwent them. And he came forth 
and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on 
them, because they were as sheep not having a shep- 
herd: and he began to teach them many things. And 
when the day was now far spent, his disciples came 
unto him, and said. The place is desert, and the day is 
now far spent; send them away, that they may go into 
the country and villages round about, and buy them- 
selves somewhat to eat. But he answered and said 
unto them. Give ye them to eat. And they say unto 
him. Shall we go and buy two hundred shillings' worth 
of bread, and give them to eat? And he saith unto 
them. How many loaves have ye? go and see. And 
when they knew, they say. Five, and two fishes. And 
he commanded them that all should sit down by com- 
panies upon the green grass. And they sat down in 
ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And he took the 
five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, 
he blessed, and brake the loaves ; and he gave to the 
disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided 
he among them all. And they all ate, and were filled. 
And they took up broken pieces, twelve basketfuls, and 



154 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



also of the fishes. And they that ate the loaves were 
five thousand men. 

PrapCr WUUam D. Edson 

EAVENLY Father, help us to draw near in wor- 
ship. To come in the spirit of "hallowed be Thy 
Name." Help us to call upon our souls and all that is 
within us to bless Thy Holy Name. 

Help us that we may not be vexed when our plans 
are interrupted, but that we may rather be expecting 
that those events which have intervened and brought 
us disappointment have within them some compassion- 
ate mercy — some better good — which, had we not been 
disappointed, we might have missed. .Help us to daily 
walk before Thee in a spirit of humble contentment. 
Break Thou the bread of life to us, as Thou, O Christ, 
didst break the bread beside the sea, and help us to 
partake abundantly of that broken heavenly bread 
which has power to satisfy our needy souls through the 
ministry of the children, and make us more willing to 
follow Thy plan of personal .service, that we may be- 
come better co-workers with Thee in Thy Kingdom. 

Help us to do the little things of life just as faith- 
fully as we would gladly do the larger things. 
In Jesus' Name we ask it all. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 15S 



Cl)e (SooD Samaritan 

Bible Reading 62 Luke 10: 

ND behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made 
trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to 
inherit eternal life? And he said unto him, What is 
written in the law? how readest thou? And he an- 
swering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with 
all thy heart, and wnth all thy soul, and with all thy 
strength, and with all thy mind ; and thy neighbor as 
thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered 
right ; this do, and thou shalt live. But he, desiring 
to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my 
neighbor? Jesus made answer and said, A certain man 
was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he 
fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat 
him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by 
chance a certain priest was going down that way : and 
when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And 
in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the 
place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But 
a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, cam^e where he 
was : and when he saw him, he was mioved with com- 
passion, and came to him, and bound up his wounds, 
pouring on them oil and wine ; and he set him on his 
own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care 
of him. And on the morrow he took out two shillings, 
and gave them to the host, and said. Take care of 
him ; and w^hatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I 
come back again, will repay thee. Which of these 
three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that 
fell among the robbers? And he said. He that showed 
mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do 
thou likewise. 



iS6 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Campbell Coyle 

^LMIGHTY God, it is our desire to come to Thee 
^ with humility and reverence, and do Thou help 
us to this end. Our need of Thee is very great, and 
the way is dark and lonely when we miss Thy pres- 
ence. Our satisfaction is in Thee alone, for we find 
only barrenness and desolation apart from Thee. The 
way is rough and shadowed, and many dangers lurk 
in secret hiding places to rush upon us as we travel 
on. Be Thou our Guide, and our Protector, and anoint 
our many hurts with the oil and wine of Thy sympa- 
thy and love, and with Thy hand of tenderness, wipe 
away our tears. Strengthen us when we are weak, 
carry us when we are tired, and for our hungry and 
thirsty hearts provide the food and drink we need; 
shelter us against the darkness and the storms, and 
make Thy breast our pillow when we sleep. No mat- 
ter how dark the night give us eyes of faith to see the 
morning on the hills, and when we come to the end of 
the way meet us with the welcome word, and the vic- 
tor's crown. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT i57 



Cfte Deceit of Eicfteg 

Bible Reading 63 Luke I2:i(): 

OW there was a certain rich man, and he was 
clothed in purple and fine linen, faring surhptu- 
ously every day: and a certain beggar named Lazarus 
was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be 
fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's 
table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that 
he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's 
bosom : and the rich man also died, and was buried. 
And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, 
and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 
And he cried and said. Father Abraham, have mercy 
on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of 
his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in 
anguish in this flame. But Abraham said. Son, remem- 
ber that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, 
and Lazarus in like manner evil things : but now here 
he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. And be- 
sides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf 
fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may 
not be able, and that none may cross over from thence 
to us. And he said, I pray thee, therefore, father, 
that thou wouldest send him to my father's house; for 
I have five brethren ; that he may testify unto them, 
lest they also come into this place of torment. But 
Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets ; let 
them hear them. And he said. Nay, father Abraham : 
but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent. 
And he said unto him. If they hear not Moses and the 
prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise 
from the dead. * * * 



158 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The 
ground of a certain rich man brought forth plenti- 
fully: and he reasoned within himself, saying, What 
shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my 
fruits? And he said, This will I do : I will pull down 
my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow 
all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my 
soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many 
years ; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God 
said unto him. Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul 
required of thee ; and the things which thou hast pre- 
pared, whose shall they be? So is he that layeth up 
treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 

A Veteran Pastor 

(?i LMIGHTY God, our Father : God of men and na- 
^ tions. Lord of heaven and earth: We rejoice in 
our heritage, bought for us by the agony of Gethsem- 
ane and Calvary : planned for us in Thine eternal 
thought and boundless love; wrought for us by Thy 
Spirit and Thy Providence through long ages, and the 
toils and struggles of countless generations. We take 
our liberty, our prosperity, our enlightenment, our do- 
mestic and social happiness, as merely a small though 
vital part of Thy glorious redemption through Jesus 
Christ. 

Cure us, we pray Thee, of our besotted narrowness, 
and our crippling dislocations. Uproot our prejudices. 
W^eed out our dislikes. Wash away our unclean dis- 
pleasure with those who differ from us. Make our 
hearts too Christly to hold a grudge or cherish resent- 
ment. Make us generous. Purge away graft from our 
policies, greed from our commerce, vice from our 
recreations, lawlessness from our habits, and com- 
plicity with sin from our statutes. Give us a religion 
pure and undefiled for everyday living, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 159 



Cf)e Host ^on 

Bihle Reading 64 Luke 15; 

ND he said, A certain man had two sons : and the 
younger of them said to his father, Father, give 
me the portion of thy substance that falleth to me. 
And he divided unto them his living. And not many 
days after, the younger son gathered all together and 
took his journey into a far country; and there he 
wasted his substance with riotous living. And when 
he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that 
country; and he began to be in want. And he went 
and joined himself to one of the citizens of that coun- 
try; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And 
he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that 
the swine did eat : and no man gave unto him. But 
when he came to himself he said, How many hired 
servants of my father's have bread enough and to 
spare, and I perish here with hunger ! I will arise 
and go to my father, and will say unto him. Father, 
I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight : I am 
no more worthy to be called thy son : make me as one 
of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his 
father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw 
him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and 
fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said 
unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and 
in thy sight : I am no mor€ worthy to be called thy 
son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth 
quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a 
ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring the 
fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry : 
for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was 
lost, and is found, And they began to be merry. 



i6o THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Book of Worship 

^ LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who didst humble Thy- 
self to become man, and to be born into the world 
for our salvation, teach us the grace of humility. 
Root out of our hearts all pride and haup^htiness, and 
so fashion us after Thy holy image in this world that 
in the world to come we may walk in Thy likeness. To 
this end, graciously remove the sin that daily alienates 
us from Thy fellowship and which so constantly de- 
stroys our peace. Help us to destroy every form of 
idolatry that lingers in our hearts ; the love of money, 
the longing for applause, the craving for ease, the quest 
of pleasure. Impart unto us the grace of devotion, 
that so we may worship Thee with unwavering hom- 
age and in perfect loyalty and obedience. Wilt Thou 
draw us into an intimacy of communion such as we 
have never had before. Leave us not in the far coun- 
try where in our trespasses we may have wandered and 
become lost. Make us a way home and bring us into 
the realm of holiness and peace, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT ■ i6i 



Ctue Ptaper 

Bible Reading 65 Luke 11:18: 

ND he spake also this parable unto certain who 
trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and 
set all others at nought : Two men went up into the 
temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a 
publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with 
himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest 
of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as. 
this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes 
of all that I get. But the publican, standing afar off, 
would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, 
but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful 
to me a sinner. I say unto you. This -man went down 
to his house justified rather than the other: for every 
one that exalteth himself shall be humbled ; but he 
that humbleth himself shall be exalted. * * * 

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a 
friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say to 
him. Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of 
mine is come to me from a journey, and I have noth- 
ing to set before him; and he from within shall answer 
and say. Trouble me not : the door is now shut, and 
my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and 
give thee? I say unto you, Though he will not rise and 
give him because he is his friend, yet because of his 
importunity he will arise and give him as many as he 
needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be 
given you ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall 
be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiv- 
eth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that 
knocketh it shall be opened. And of which of you that 



i62 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



is a father shall his son ask a loaf, and he give him a 
stone? or a fish, and he for a fish give him a serpent? 
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? 
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts 
mito your children, how much more shall your heavenly 
Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? 

Charles R. Erdman 

UR loving heavenly Father, Who hast called us into 
filial fellowship with thyself through Jesus Christ 
our Lord, we praise Thee for the priceless privilege of 
prayer, and for the confidence that whatsoever we ask 
of Thee we shall receive. We thank Thee that Thy 
Son has taught us and that Thy Spirit helps us to 
pray, and that Thou art ever doing for us exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think. 

Forgive us for our lack of faith, for our unbelief and 
fears, and for our doubting the reality of prayer be- 
cause we are bafiled by its mysteries. Show us how 
to cast all our care upon Thee, to be anxious in noth- 
ing, but in everything by prayer and supplication to let 
our requests be known unto Thee that Thy peace which 
passeth all understanding may guard our hearts and 
thoughts in Christ Jesus. As we pray for ourselves 
make us mindful of others and teach us the blessed- 
ness of the ministry of intercession, that we may be 
more like unto Him who ever lives to make interces- 
sion for us. 

Hear us for His sake and in His blessed name. 
Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 163 



Cftc Incarnation 

Bible Reading 66 John i: 

N the beginning was the Word, and the Word was 
with God, and the Word was God. The same was 
in the beginning with God. All things were made 
through him; and without him was not anything made 
that hath been made. In him was life; and the life 
was the light of men. And the light shineth in the 
darkness ; and the darkness apprehended it not. There 
came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 
The same came for witness, that he might bear wit- 
ness of the light, that all might believe through him. 
He was not the light, but came that he might bear wit- 
ness of the light. There was the true light, even the 
light which lighteth every man, coming into the world. 
He was in the world, and. the world was made through 
him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his 
own, and they that were his own received him not. 
But as many as received him, to them gave he the 
right to become children of God, even to them that be- 
lieve on his name : who were born, not of blood, nor 
of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of 
God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among 
us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only be- 
gotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. John 
beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying. This was 
he of whom I said. He that cometh after me is become 
before me: for he was before me. For of his fulness 
we all received, and grace for grace. For the law 
was given through Moses ; grace and truth' came 
through Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any 
time ; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of 
the Father, he hath declared him. 



164' THE NEW TESTAMENT 



l^t^pCt George F. Pentecost 

/I^UR Gracious God and Father, we thank Thee that 
Thou hast not left us in ignorance of Thyself ; 
and of Thy purpose of grace toward us ; that Thou 
hast spoken to us in the olden times by holy men who 
were .moved to speak by the Holy Spirit; and espe- 
cially in this later time by Thy dear Son and our 
Savior, Jesus Christ. That having seen and heard 
Him, we have seen and heard Thee. We thank Thee 
that Thou hast spoken to us in the terms of our own 
nature as man to man, for Thou, dear God, didst make 
Thyself a man that we men might know Thee. We 
thank Thee that Thou hast preserved to us in Thy 
written word all that Thou hast said to us ; and that, 
day by day, we may "walk with Thee and talk with 
Thee" ; especially that Thou mayest talk with us ; that 
we may come thus to know the thoughts that Thou 
hast toward us, — thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to 
give us an unexpected end. Grant us open eyes to 
read and open ears to hear Thy word; and a ready 
love and will to do Thy word, for only Thou can we 
love. Teach us how to read and how to do Thy word 
as did Ezra of old who prepared his heart ta seek the 
law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach in Israel 
statutes and judgments. And this we ask in His name, 
who has bidden to ask largely in His name. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 165 



Cfte Ctoice IBotn 

Bible Reading 6y John 3: 

OW there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nico- 
demus, a ruler of the Jews : the same came unto 
him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that 
thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can 
do these signs that thou doest, except God be with 
him. Jesus answered and said unto him. Verily, verily, 
I say unto thee. Except one be born anew, he cannot 
see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, 
How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter 
a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except 
one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter 
into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the 
flesh is flesh ; and that which is born of the Spirit is 
spirit. jMarvel not that I said unto thee. Ye must be 
born anew. The wind bloweth where it will, and thou 
hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it 
Cometh, and whither it goeth : so is every one that is 
born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto 
him. How can these things be? Jesus answered and 
said unto him. Art thou the teacher of Israel, and un- 
derstandest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto 
thee. We speak that which we know, and bear witness 
of that which we have seen ; and ye receive not our 
witness. If I told you earthly things and ye believe 
not, how shall ye believe if I tell you heavenly things? 
And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that de- 
scended out of heaven, even the Son of man, who is in 
heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the 
wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up ; 
that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life. 



i66 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



For God so loved the world, that he gave his only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should 
not perish, but have eternal life. 

Charles N. Pace 

l^E thank Thee, O Christ, that we can come to Thee 
by night as well as by day. Often it is the night 
of sorrow, or loss, or perplexity which reveals to us 
our need of Thee. Thou dost welcome us at any hour. 
How hospitable Thou art ! May we appreciate and use 
Thy offer of helpfulness. 

There are some things we do not understand, but 
there is much that is perfectly plain. May no sense of 
mystery about the Christian life defeat our allegiance 
to it. With unshaken faith in Thy love, and goodness, 
and truth, and power, may we steadily go forward in 
obedience to Thy will, "believing where we cannot 
prove," content to know that the experience is always 
greater than the explanation of it, and rejoicing in the 
fact that "if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: 
old things are passed away and all things become new." 
As each day the light awakens the world into renewed 
activity, and as each year the fields are freshened by 
the Spring, so may we this day and this year have new 
life from Thee, Thou Day-Spring of our hearts. 
Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



167 



Bihle Reading 68 



John 10: 



'MERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not 

^ by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth 
up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of 
the sheep. To him the porter openeth ; and the sheep 
hear his voice : and he calleth his own sheep by name, 
and leadeth them out. When he hath put forth all his 
own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: 
for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not 
follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the 
voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto 
them : but they understood not what things they were 
which he spake unto them. 

Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, 
I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that 
came before me are thieves and robbers : but the sheep 
did not hear them. I am the door ; by me if any man 
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, 
and shall find pasture. The thief cometh not, but that 
he may steal, and kill, and destroy : I came that they 
may have life, and may have it abundantly. I am the 
good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life 
for the sheep. He that is a hireling, and not a shep- 
herd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf 
coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf 
snatcheth them, and scattereth them : he fleeth because 
he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am 
the good shepherd ; and I know mine own, and mine 
own know me, even as the Father knoweth me, and I 
know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: 




i68 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



them also I must bHng, and they shall hear my voice; 
and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. 

Prapet James R. Johnston 

UR dear Savior, we adore Thee, we worship Thee, 
we love Thee, we praise Thee, we thank Thee, for 
the unspeakable love that brought Thee into the world 
to die for our sins. We come with all our weakness 
and unworthiness and commit ourselves, with all of our 
interests for time and eternity, into Thy hands. Accept 
us in tender mercy — forgive all Thou seest amiss in us. 
Remove from us all that may hinder Thy blessing. 
Grant us Thy constant favor. And with us bless all 
for whom we should pray, and save us all in Thy 
Kingdom ; and Thine be the praise. 

''Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy 
name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth 
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, 
and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and 
the glory, forever." Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 169 



Cfte iLigf)t of tfie COorlD 

^fZ?/^ Reading 69 John 8: 

ND they went every man unto his own house : but 
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early 
in the morning he came again into the temple, and all 
the people came unto him ; and he sat down, and taught 
them. And the scribes and the Pharisees bring a wom- 
an taken in adultery; and having set her in the midst, 
they say unto him. Teacher, this woman hath been 
taken in adultery, in the very act. Now in the law 
Moses commanded us to stone such : what then sayest 
thou of her? And this they said, trying him, that they 
might have whereof to accuse him. But Jesus stooped 
down, and with his finger wrote on the ground. But 
when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, 
and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, 
let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped 
down, and with his finger wrote on the ground. And 
they, when they heard it, went out one by one, begin- 
ning from the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was 
left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. 
And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, 
where are they? did no man condemn thee? And she 
said. No man. Lord. And Jesus said. Neither do I 
condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no 
more.] 

Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am 
the light of the world : he that f olloweth me shall not 
walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life. 



170 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Howard Agnew Johnston 

/rfOR Thy light in our darkness we bring Thee thank- 
ful hearts, O God. Help us to realize that Thou 
art light and in Thee is no darkness at all. Give us to 
see that when we face the light, the shadows fall be- 
hind us; but when we turn from the light, we walk 
in our own shadows. Help us to let in all the light 
and to let the light all the way in, until Christ, the 
Light of the World, is King in the very throne room 
of our souls. Then in His light our sins will become 
startlingly plain, until we shall run back into His lov- 
ing arms to be cleansed again and anointed again, be- 
coming truly children of light. Thus we shall glorify 
Thee in Him, who taught us when we pray to say : 

"Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy 
name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done in earth 
as it is in Heaven ; give us this day our daily bread ; 
and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; 
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the 
glory, forever." Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 171 



Ctue cajot0bip 

Bihic Reading 70 John 4: 

IggHEN therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees 
had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing 
more disciples than John (although Jesus himself bap- 
tized not, but his disciples), he left Judaea, and depart- 
ed again into Galilee. And he must needs pass through 
Samaria. So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called 
Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave 
to his son Joseph : and Jacob's well was there. Jesus 
therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus by 
the well. It was about the sixth hour. There cometh 
a woman of Samaria to draw water : Jesus saith unto 
her, Give me to drink. For his disciples were gone 
away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman 
therefore saith unto him. How is it that thou, being a 
Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? 
(For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus 
answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift 
of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to 
drink ; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would 
have given thee living water. The woman saith unto 
him. Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well 
is deep: whence then hast thou that living water? Art 
thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the 
well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his 
cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her. Every one 
that drinketh of this water shall thirst again : but who- 
soever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall 
never thirst ; but the water that I shall give him shall 
become in him a well of water springing up unto eter- 
nal life. The woman saith unto him. Sir, give me this 
water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither 



172 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call th}^ husband 
and come hither. The woman answered and said unto 
him, I have no husband. Jesus saith unto her, Thou 
saidst well, I have no husband: for thou hast had five 
husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy hus- 
band : this hast thou said truly. The woman saith unto 
him. Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fath- 
ers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in 
Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 
Jesus saith unto her. Woman, believe me, the hour 
cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusa- 
lem, shall ye worship the Father. Ye worship that 
which ye know not : we worship that which we know ; 
for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour cometh, 
and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship 
the Father in spirit and truth : for such doth the Father 
seek to be his worshippers. God is a Spirit : and they 
that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah com- 
eth (he that is called Christ) : when he is come, he will 
declare unto us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that 
speak unto thee am he. 



/. H. Jowett 

Tj^ OLY Father, we thank Thee for the privilege of 
fellowship, and for the help which we can give 
one another as we seek the holy place. May our faith 
be strengthened, our penitence deepened, and our joys 
be enriched because we are contemplating the unsearch- 
able riches of Christ. Impart unto us the grace of 
sacred sympathy. Ma}^ we reverently bear one an- 
other's burdens and carry them in the arms of interces- 
sion. We beseech Thee to grant unto us visions of 
Th}^ glory in so far as our eyes are able to bear them. 
May we make new discoveries among the mysteries of 
Thy truth. May the hour of worship prepare us for 
a larger ministry in the service of Thy Kingdom. Wilt 
Thou give us the armor we need for the great cam- 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



173 



paign. Especially may we receive the endowment of 
the love that never grows faint. Reveal to us our 
work, and then lead us into a devotion which will never 
be satisfied until the work is finished. Look upon the 
whole world in this hour of desolation and woe. En- 
large our hearts to comprehend the sorrow, and may 
we share the sufferings of our Lord in sacrificial la- 
bors. 

Let Thy Kingdom come, O Lord, and let Thy will 
be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Hailing of JLa5atu0 

Bible Reading 71 John 11: 

OW a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethan}', 
of the village of ^Mary, and her sister ]\Iartha. And 
it was that ]\Iary who anointed the Lord with ointment, 
and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Laza- 
rus was sick. The sisters therefore sent unto him, say- 
ing, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. But 
when Jesus heard it, he said. This sickness is not unto 
death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God 
may be glorified thereby. ^ 

So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in 
the tomb four days already. Now Bethany was nigh 
unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off ; and many 
of the Jews had come to ^Martha and ]\Iary, to console 
them concerning their brother. ^lartha therefore, when 
she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him : 
but ]\Iary still sat in the house. ]\Iartha therefore said 
unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother 
had not died. And even now I know that, whatsoever 
thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus saith 
unto her, Th}'' brother shall rise again. ]\Iartha saith 
unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resur- 
rection at the last da}^ Jesus said unto her, I am the 
resurrection, and the life : he that believeth on me. 
though he die, 3^et shall he live ; and whosoever livetli 
and believeth on me shall never die. Believest thou 
this ? She saith unto him. Yea, Lord : I have believed 
that thou art the Christ the Son of God, even he that 
Cometh into the world. And when she had said this, 
she went awa}^, and called ^Mar}' her sister secretl}', 
saying. The Teacher is here, and calleth thee. And she, 
when she heard it, arose quickly, and went unto him. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 175 



(Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but 
was still in the place where Martha met him.) The 
Jews then w^ho were with her in the house, and were 
consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up 
quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she 
was going unto the tomb to weep there. Mary there- 
fore, when she came where Jesus was, and saw him, 
fell down at his feet, saying unto him. Lord, if thou 
hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus 
therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping 
who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was 
troubled, and said. Where have ye laid him? They 
say unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. The 
Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him ! But 
some of them said. Could not this man, who opened the 
eyes of him that was blind, have caused that this man 
also should not die? Jesus therefore again groaning 
in himself cometh to the tomb. Now it was a cave, 
and a stone lay against it. Jesus saith, Take ye away 
the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, 
saith unto him, Lord, by this time the body decayeth ; 
for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, 
Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou 
shouldest see the glory of God? So they took away 
the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, 
Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me. And I 
knew that thou hearest me always : but because of 
the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they 
may believe that thou didst send me. And when he 
had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, 
come forth. He that was dead came forth, bound hand 
and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound 
about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them. Loose him, 
and let him go. 

I\Iany therefore of the Jews, who came to Mary and 
beheld that which he did, believed on him. But some 
of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the 
things which Jesus had done. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



l^tSpCt George Matheson 

ON of Man, I understand Thy tears in the grave- 
3^ard of Bethany. J\Ien have asked the reason of 
Thy weeping — weeping for one Thou wert about to 
raise ! But it was not for Lazarus, nor 3^et, methinks, 
for death. It was for the false view men had formed 
of death. It was because the world could think so 
meanly of Th}^ Father as to believe that He could 
extinguish in an hour a life to which He had given the 
powers of eternity. It is written of Thee that Thou 
didst enter the grave3'ard of Bethany breathing in- 
dignation. Often it seemed to me a strange senti- 
ment for a cemeter}^ But I understand it now. I un- 
derstand both the indignation, and the weeping, for 
these two were one. Men were impeaching the honor 
of Thy Father, for having given man a soul, and then 
laid him in the dust. Thou wert jealous for Thy 
Father's glory; I appreciate the swellings of Thy heart, 
I appreciate the moisture of Thine eye ! Thy tears 
were the showers of Thy compassion for our dead 
hope, for our dim sight, for our buried faith, for our 
forgetfulness of the glory of the Father. And the 
shower of sorrow was a shower of blessing. 

O Son of ]\Ian, in the hour of my life's despair, ever 
let such drops descend on me ! For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



177 



Life CI)rougf) Deatft 

Bible Reading 72 John 12: 

OW there were certain Greeks among those that 
went up to worship at the feast: these therefore 
came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and 
asked him, saying. Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip 
Cometh and telleth Andrew : Andrew cometh, and 
Philip, and they tell Jesus. And Jesus answereth them, 
saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should 
be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a 
grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth 
by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit. 
He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth 
his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where 
I am, there shall also my servant be : if any man serve 
me, him will the Father honor. Now is my soul troub- 
led ; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this 
hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour. 
Father, glorify thy name. There came therefore a 
voice out of heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, 
and will glorify it again. The multitude therefore, that 
stood by, and heard it, said that it had thundered : 
others said. An an^el hath spoken to him. Jesus an- 
swered and said, This voice hath not come for my 
sake, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of 
this world : now shall the prince of this world be cast 
out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw 
all men unto myself. But this he said, sTgnifying by 
what manner of death he should die. The multitude 
therefore answered him, We have heard out of the law 
that the Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, 
The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son 



178 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



of man? Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little 
while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the 
light, that darkness overtake you not: and he that 
walketh in the darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 
While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye 
may become sons of light. ^ 



|& EAVENLY Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast 
^ brought us into the close and loving relationship 
of children by accepting the life, teachings, and sacri- 
ficial death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior : 
That Thou hast completed Thy work of redemption 
by raising Christ from the grave — bringing life and 
immortality to us through Him. 

Believing in the Risen Christ, may we be lifted out 
of our sorrows, self-indulgences and sins, into that 
abundant life which is life indeed. 

Lord, help us in these stirring days of sacrifice and 
service, to learn how to find life, by losing it: how to 
sacrifice for a holy conviction : how to suffer for a 
righteous cause: how to gain patience through difficulty, 
courage through peril : and how to become Christ-like 
through the silent heroisms of the home, the hallowed 
discipline of the sick-chamber, and the blessed drudg- 
ery of daily toil. Keep us in such close fellowship with 
Thee that we shall be able to glorify Thee in the hum- 
blest task, and to so live and serve here, that we may 
enjoy the abundant reward and eternal Life, hereafter. 

We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. 



George Brewer 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 179 



Clje ptomf0eD Comfottet 

Bible Reading /3 John 14: 

ET not your heart be troubled : believe in God, be- 
lieve also in me. In my Father's house are many man- 
sions ; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I 
go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and pre- 
pare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you 
unto myself ; that where I am, there ye may be also. 
And whither I go, ye know the way. Thomas saith 
unto him. Lord, we know not whither thou goest ; how 
know we the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, 
and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the 
Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye would 
have known my Father also: from henceforth ye know 
him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, 
show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith 
unto him. Have I been so long time with you, and 
dost thou not kliow me, Philip? he that hath seen me 
hath seen the Father ; how sayest thou. Show us the 
Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, 
and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you 
I speak not from myself : but the Father abiding in 
me doeth his works. Believe me that I am in the 
Father, and the Father in me : or else believe me for 
the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you. He 
that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do 
also ; and greater works than these shall he do ; be- 
cause I go unto the Father. And whatsoever ye shall 
ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may 
be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in 
my name, that will I do. If ye love me, ye will keep 
my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and 
he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be 



i8o 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth: whom the 
world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither 
knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, 
and shall be in you. I will not leave you desolate: I 
come unto you. Yet a little while, and the world be- 
holdeth me no more; but ye behold me: because I 
live, ye shall live also. ^ 

These things have I spoken unto you, while yet abid- 
ing with you. But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, 
whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach 
you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that 
I said unto you. Peace I leave with you; my peace 
I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto 
you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be 
fearful. 



PtapCt ■ Samuel S. Palmer 

/<SRACIOUS Father, we thank Thee for Thy com- 
^ fort. Thou alone canst speak peace to the troubled. 
Give confidence in Thee, the assurance that Thou wilt 
never leave us or forsake us. 

We are humbled as memory recalls our undeserved 
mercies. We cannot count our blessings for they are 
more than can be numbered. 

We pray that our hearts may be drawn to Thee and 
bound to Thee by remembering all Thy gifts so richly 
and graciously bestowed. Forgive us, O God, our 
many sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
May we see Christ and Him crucified and rejoice that 
we belong among the redeemed. 

We pray Thee for this great world in which we live. 
Thou hast told us to preach the good news to every 
creature. Quicken our hearts to tell the story. 
Strengthen our faith as we see victories. Remember, 
we pr'ay Thee, any who are in sorrow. Be with those 
who are in perplexity or doubt or weary with cares. 
If any are called to pass through dark places, wilt Thou 
be to them the light. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT i8i 



We commend to Thee our country and all who are 
in authority. We pray that the whole earth may soon 
be filled with Thy glory, when men shall know each 
other and love each other. In our own lives may we 
reflect Jesus Christ who loved us and gave himself 
for us. 

We ask all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 



i82 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



tSZi^t ^int and tfte iBrancljeg 

Bible Reading 74. John 15; 

AM the true vine, and my Father is the husband- 
man. Ever}^ branch in me that beareth not fruit, he 
taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, 
he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. Already 
ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken 
unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch 
cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; 
so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, 
ye are the branches : He that abideth in me, and I in 
him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me 
ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is 
cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather 
them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask 
whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; 
and so shall ye be my disciples. Even as the Father 
hath loved m.e, I also have loved you : abide ye in my 
love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in 
my love; even as I have kept my Father's command- 
ments, and abide in his love. These things have I 
spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that 
your joy may be made full. This is my commandment, 
that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. 
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay 
down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if 
ye do the things which I command you. No longer 
do I call you servants ; for the servant knoweth not 
what his lord doeth : but I have called you friends; 
for all things that I heard from my Father I have 
made known unto you. Ye did not choose me, but I 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 183 



chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and 
bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that what- 
soever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may 
give it you. 

Ptaget George N. Luccock 

LORD, our Strength and our Redeemer, by whose 
word we are clean, and by whose life we are made 
strong and useful, we beseech Thee to keep us abiding 
in Thee. Forgive our sins, and guard us from trying 
to do without Thee. We thank Thee that Thou hast 
called us friends, and hast chosen us for Thyself and 
appointed us to bring forth fruit. 

Grant us Thy Spirit that we may be Thy faithful 
witnesses and bear much fruit and so glorify the 
Father and show ourselves Thy disciples. Fulfil in 
us Thy joy — the joy of seeing what lies beyond the 
cross, the joy of service and winning others. Teach 
us to love one another, as Thou hast loved us, and 
give us grace to keep Thy commandments that we may 
be kept in Thy love. Let love so rule in our hearts 
that we shall have no fear of the world's hatred. O, 
Master, let it be enough for us to be treated like Thee, 
as it is our glory to be like Thee. 

We ask for Thine own name's sake. Amen. 



184 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Cf)c l^olp ^pmt ptomigeD 

Bible Reading 75 . John 16: 

HESE things have I spoken unto you, that ye should 
not be caused to stumble. They shall put you out 
of the synagogues : yea, the hour cometh, that whoso- 
ever killeth you shall think that he offereth service 
unto God. And these things will they do, because they 
ha-ve not known the Father, nor me. But these things 
have I spoken unto you, that when their hour is come, 
ye may remember them, how that I told you. And 
these things I said not unto you from the beginning, 
because I was with you. But now I go unto him that 
sent me ; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest 
thou? But because I have spoken these things unto 
you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell 
you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; 
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto 
you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. And he, 
when he is come, will convict the world in respect of 
sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, be- 
cause they believe not on me ; of righteousness, because 
I go to the Father, and ye behold me no more ; of 
judgment, because the prince of this world hath been 
judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but 
ye cannot bear them now. ' Howbeit when he, the 
Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the 
truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what 
things soever he shall hear these shall he speak : and 
he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. 
He shall glorify me : for he shall take of mine, and 
shall declare it unto 3^ou. All things whatsoever the 
Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he taketh 
of mine, and shall declare it unto you. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



l^tSpCt John A. Marquis 

VER righteous and evex merciful Father ! Help 
us to know Thee. We stumble and stagger 
through our days, falling into sin, hesitating in doubt, 
and trembling in fear because we have not known Thee 
nor Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. Open our eyes 
that we may see, and seeing believe and follow. Help us 
to understand the loss we suffer when we live without 
the Christ who took His Disciples to His heart that 
great night in the Upper Chamber, when He lifted 
them out of their perplexity and sorrow and let them 
see Heaven and Thee. 

We need Thee, O Thou Son of God, to stay and 
steady us in the world-confusion and horror through 
which we walk. Convince the world more and more 
of its sin, of Thy righteousness and of the sure judg- 
ment to come. Draw us close to Thy side and teach us 
to be still and to trust. It was expedient that Thou 
shouldst go from our earthly sight in order to be pres- 
ent forever to the soul, our souls. We crave Thy com- 
panionship in every event and every experience of our 
lives. Keep us from going where Thou canst not, and 
teach us always that the path of safety is the path of 
Christ. 
In His name. Amen. 



i86 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Cl)e jFaretoell Ptapet 

Bible Reading 76 John 17: 

HESE things spake Jesus ; and lifting up his eyes to 
heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify 
thy Son, that the Son may glorify thee : even as thou 
gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom 
thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. And 
this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only 
true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus 
Christ. I glorified thee on the earth, having accom- 
plished the work which thou hast given me to do. 
And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own 
self with the glory which I had with thee before the 
world was. I manifested thy name unto the men whom 
thou gavest me out of the world : thine they were, 
and thou gavest them to me ; and they have kept thy 
word. Now they know that all things whatsoever thou 
hast given me are from thee: for the words which thou 
gavest me I have given unto them ; and they received 
them, and knew of a truth that I came forth from 
thee, and they believed that thou didst send me. I 
pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those 
whom thou hast given me; for they are thine: and all 
things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine : and 
I am glorified in them. And I am no more in, the 
world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. 
Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast 
given me, that they may be one, even as we are. While 
I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou 
hast given me : and I guarded them, and not one of 
them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scrip- 
ture might be fulfilled. But now I come to thee; and 
these things I speak in the world, that they may have 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 187 



my joy made full in themselves. I have given them 
thy word; and the world hated them, because they are 
not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 1 
pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, 
but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil one. 
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the 
world. Sanctify them in the truth : thy word is truth. 
As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I 
them into the w^orld. And for their sakes I sanctify 
myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in 
truth. Neither for these only do I pray, but for them 
also that believe on me through their word; that they 
may all be one ; even as thou. Father, art in me, and I 
in thee, that they also may be in us : that the world 
may believe that thou didst send me. And the glory 
which thou hast given me I have given unto them; 
that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, 
and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; 
that the world may know that thou didst send me, and 
lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me. Father, I de- 
sire that they also whom thou hast given me be with 
me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which 
thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the 
foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the 
world knew thee not, but I knew thee ; and these knew 
that thou didst send me ; and I made known unto 
them thy name, and will make it known ; that the love 
w^herewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in 
them. 



Ptaper Hugh T. Kerr 

LORD, our God, we pray that we may acknowl- 
edge Thee in all our ways. It is our deepest desire 
to acknowledge Thee and to be drawn nearer and 
nearer to Thee in all faith and service. 

By the remembrance of our past failures and all our 
former weaknesses teach us to turn to Thee. 
By the recollection of the victories we have gained 



88 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



when we have trusted Thee fully, help us to confide 
in Thee more completely. 

By the knowledge we have in Jesus, of His life of 
ministry, of His death on Calvary, of His grace and 
His Easter glory, draw us, we pray Thee, nearer and 
nearer to Thyself. When sin allures, when doubt 
troubles, when anxiety oppresses, may we find security 
in Thee. We are weak but Thou art mighty. We are 
unfaithful, but Thou art the unchanging One. We are 
troubled on every side, but in Thy presence there is 
perfect peace. We come to Thee and we would abide 
in Thee our Everlasting Refuge and our Home. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



189 



Cfte Coming of t|)e ^olp Spirit 

Bible Reading 77 Acts 1:2: 

HE former treatise I made, O Theophilus, .concern- 
ing all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, 
until the day in which he was received up, after that 
he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit 
unto the apostles whom he had chosen : to whom he 
also showed himself alive after his passion by many 
proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty 
days, and speaking the things concerning the king- 
dom of God : and, being assembled together with 
them, he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, 
but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, said 
he, ye heard from me: for John indeed baptized with 
water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not 
many days hence. 

They therefore, when they were come together, 
asked him, saying. Lord, dost thou at this time restore 
the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them. It is 
not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father 
hath set within his own authority. But ye shall re- 
ceive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you : 
and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and 
in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part 
of the earth. And when he had said these things, as 
they were looking, he was taken up ; and a cloud re- 
ceived him out of their sight. And while they were 
looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold two 
men stood by them in white apparel ; who also said, 
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? 
this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven, 
shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going 
into heaven. 



igo THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount 
called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a sabbath 
day's journey off. * ^ * 

And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they 
were all together in one place. And suddenly there 
came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a 
mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were 
sitting. And there appeared unto them tongues parting 
asunder, like as of fire ; and it sat upon each one of 
them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, 
and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit 
gave them utterance. 

Pt^per w. E. Biederwolf 

OST merciful and mighty God, our Father in 
Heaven, we remember how that Jesus said, "I will 
pray the Father and He shall give you another Com- 
forter, even the Spirit of Truth." And Thou hast 
fulfilled the promise of Thy Blessed Son and through 
Thy grace we have been made temples of God, because 
the Spirit of God dwelleth in us. 

And now, O Holy Spirit of God, touch with Thy 
quickening power these feeble spirits of ours; purify 
our desires and animate our wills and bring us to that 
experience of soul where we shall be conscious not only 
of Thy glorious indwelling but of Thine even more 
glorious infilling. Without Thee in all Thy fulness we 
cannot attain. So strengthen us with Thy might in the 
inner man to do the will of God, working in us that 
Vv^hich is well pleasing in His sight and causing our 
achievements in things divine to be more commensurate 
with the ideals which Thou dost inspire within us. 

Guide us into all knowledge, as it is in Jesus Christ, 
O Thou Spirit of Truth, for Thou dost search all things, 
yea, the deep things of God. Illumine that which is 
dar-k within us, raise up that which is low and debased, 
cast out all that is unworthy and give us a spirit like 
Thine own. We ask this all in the name of Jesus Christ 
who loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



191 



Paur0 ConiJersion 

Bible Reading y8 Acts 9; 

JT Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter 
against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the 
high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus unto 
the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the 
Way, whether men or women, he might bring them 
bound to Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, it came to 
pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus : and suddenly 
there shone round about him a light out of heaven : 
and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying 
unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And 
he said, Who art thou. Lord? And he said, I am 
Jesus whom thou persecutest : but rise, and enter into 
the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 
And the men that journeyed with him stood speech- 
less, hearing the voice, but beholding no man. And 
Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were 
opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, 
and brought him into Damascus. And he was three 
days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. 

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named 
Ananias ; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, 
Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And 
the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street 
which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of 
Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus : for be- 
hold, he prayeth; and he hath seen a man named 
Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that 
he might receive his sight. * * ^ And Ananias depart- 
ed, and entered into the house ; and laying his hands 
on him said. Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who 
appeared unto thee in the way which thou earnest, hath 



192 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be 
filled with the Holy Spirit. And straightway there 
fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received 
his sight; and he arose and was baptized; and he took 
food and was strengthened. 

And he was certain days with the disciples that were 
at Damascus. And straightway in the synagogues he 
proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God. And all 
that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he 
that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on 
this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that 
he might bring them bound before the chief priests. 
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confound- 
ed the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this 
is the Christ. 

Edgar W. Work 

^ GOD our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for 
Him who has met us on the way of life bringing 
salvation from Thee. We bless Thee for every tem- 
poral good, for fresh mercies every day, for life and 
love, and opportunity and privilege, and for ten thou- 
sand loving kindnesses more. But more than all we 
praise Thee for the great boon of salvation through Thy 
Blessed Son our Lord. When we were strangers to 
the Word of Thy grace, Thou didst not forget us. 
When we were prodigals even, wandering afar and 
careless of the Father's House, Thou didst call us 
graciously through the ministries of Thy Spirit, and 
lead us to turn again home. 

We thank Thee for the precious companionship of 
Him whose pierced hands and wounded side tell us 
how deeply He entered into life for us. We thank 
Thee for sins forgiven, for the falling of scales 
from our eyes, for a new and wonderful freedom in the 
soul, for hopes that spring eternal in the breast. 

Teach us, O God, daily to walk and work as those 
who have been redeemed. Tell us what we must do 
for Thee, O Christ, who hast done all things for us. 
Let us never forget Thy Cross 1 Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



193 



Paul at at|)en0 

Bible Reading 79 Acts 17: 

OW while Paul waited for them at Athens, his 
spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the 
city full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue 
with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the mar- 
ketplace every day with them that met him. * * * And 
Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, 

Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye 
are very religious. For as 1 passed along, and observed 
the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with 
this inscription. To an Unknown God. What there- 
fore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you. 
The God that made the world and all things therein, 
he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in 
temples made with hands ; neither is he served by 
men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing 
he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things ; 
and he made of one every nation of men to dwell 
on all the face of the earth, having determined their 
appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; 
-that they should seek God, if haply they might feel 
after him and find him, though he is not far from 
each one of us : for in him we live, and move, and 
have our being; as certain even of your own poets 
have said. 

For we are also his offspring. 

Being then the offspring of -God, we ought not to 
think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or 
stone, graven by art and device of man. The times 
of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he 
commandeth men that they should all everywhere re- 
pent : inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which 



194 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



he will judge the world in righteousness by the man 
whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assur- 
ance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from 
the dead. 

Now when they heard of the resurrection of the 
dead, some mocked; but others said. We will hear thee 
concerning this yet again. Thus Paul went out from 
among them. But certain men clave unto him, and 
believed. 

Ptapet John E. Milholland 

^ GOD of Light, Who, in Thy omnipotent power 
drove away the darkness of primeval chaos, be 
pleased to let the Sun of Righteousness so illumine 
our dark hearts that we shall go forth to the duties of 
life in the joy of faith, the gladness of obedience, and 
with a clear vision of truth and duty. 

O God of Liberty, Who has bestowed upon us, that 
sublime yet awful heritage, the freedom of the will, 
help us to realize the responsibility which it involves. 
Perfect us in the practice of self-denial, until we learn 
to know from experience that to be Thy bond servant 
is to enjoy the only perfect freedom which the soul 
of man can ever know. 

O God of Love, Who hast loved us with an ever- 
lasting love, help us to reflect Thy love more and more, 
and show our constanth^ increasing affection by more 
loyal devotion, faithful service, and complete obedience. 

O God of Life, Who has promised here and here- 
after life yet more abundantly to all who truly seek 
it, help us to strive for that deeper, fuller experience 
which comes only through Thee. Help us to live a 
nobler, purer, more devoted life than ever before, to 
the glory of Thy name, Thou God of Light, Liberty, 
Love and Life. Amen. 

From "God's Minute." Copyrighted. Used by per- 
mission. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



195 



EeconcileD to (SoD 

Bihle Reading 80 Romans 3: 

EING therefore justified by faith, we have peace 
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through 
whom also we have had our access by faith into this 
grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the 
glory of God. And not only so, but we also rejoice in 
our tribulations : knowing that tribulation worketh 
stedfastness ; and stedfastness, approvedness ; and ap- 
provedness, hope: and hope putteth not to shame; be- 
cause the love of God hath been shed abroad in our 
hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto 
us. For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ 
died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man 
will one die: for peradventure for the good man some 
one would even dare to die. But God commendeth his 
own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sin- 
ners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now 
justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the 
wrath of God through him. For if, while we were 
enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death 
of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be 
saved by his life; and not only so, but we also rejoice 
in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom 
we have now received the reconciliation. 

Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the 
world, and death through sin ; and so death passed 
unto all men, for that all sinned: — for until the law 
sin was in the world ; but sin is not imputed when 
there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from 
Adam until Aloses, even over them that had not sinned 
after the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is a 
figure of him that was to come. But not as the tres- 



196 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



pass, so also is the free gift. For if by the trespass 
of the one the many died, much more did the grace 
of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, 
Jesus Christ, abound unto the many. * * * But where 
sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly : that, 
as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign 
through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 

l^tSpCt Alexander Alison, Jr. 

.rf'ATHER in Heaven, we deplore the sin of our hearts 
that made necessary such a demonstration of Thy 
love. We lament the blindness that could not see the 
evidence of it in every common mercy along our path. 
We therefore thank Thee for Love's supreme commen- 
dation, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died 
for us. Help us to joy in God through our Lord Jesus 
Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 

We thank Thee for Thy faith in us; may we have 
faith in ourselves. Enable us also to have faith in 
others. Being at peace with Thee, may we be at peace 
with ourselves, and with our environment. Be Thou 
our conscious environment and our inner defense, that 
Ave may be equal to any emergency, and glory even 
in tribulation. Help us to be clean before we are 
clever. Where sin abounded, may grace much more 
abound. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher 
of our faith, may we press toward the mark for the 
prize of the high calling of God. Make us influential 
according to our capacities, and to that end help us 
to see that we can never lead others any nearer to 
Thee than we go ourselves. We would ever recom- 
mend the Christian's Lord; help us therefore to com- 
mend the Lord's Christian. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 197 



Cl)e Mageg of %\n 

Bible Reading 8i Romans 6: 

^^HAT shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, 
^ that grace may abound? God forbid. We who 
died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein? Or 
are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into 
Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We 
were buried therefore with him through baptism 
into death : that like as Christ was raised from 
the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also 
might walk in newness of life. For if we have be- 
come united with him in the likeness of his death, we 
shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; know- 
ing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that 
the body of sin might be done away, that so we should 
no longer be in bondage to sin; for he that hath died is 
justified from sin. But if we died with Christ, we be- 
lieve that we shall also live with him; knowing that 
Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death 
no more hath dominion over him. For the death that 
he died, he died unto sin once: but the life that he 
liveth, he liveth unto God. Even so reckon ye also 
yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in 
Christ Jesus. 

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, 
that ye should obey the lusts thereof : neither present 
your members unto sin as instruments of unrighteous- 
ness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from 
the dead, and your members as instruments of right- 
eousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion 
over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace. 

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under 
law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that 



ig8 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedi- 
ence, his servants ye are whom ye obe}^ whether of 
sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 
But thanks be 'to God, that, whereas ye were servants 
of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form 
of teaching whereunto ye were delivered ; and being 
made free from sin, ye became servants of righteous- 
ness. * ^ * But now being made free from sin and 
become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanc- 
tification, and the end eternal life. For the wages of 
sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in 
Christ Jesus our Lord. 



J^tapCt Herbert Booth Smith 

CHRIST, our Emancipator from the binding 
shackles of sin, we bless Thee for the freedom 
wherewith Thou hast made us free. Ours has been 
the baptism through death unto life, and we bless Thee 
for the death that means life, for crucifixion that leads 
to resurrection. Receive us, we beseech Thee, as we 
offer Thee our bodies to be used as hands, feet, lips, 
for Thee. Be pleased to accept our rdinds, that we 
may think Thy thoughts after Thee. Graciously keep 
our spirits in union with Thine, so that we may become 
sharers of Thy great secrets, and partakers of Thy 
great plan to bring the world to Thy feet. 

We thank Thee for the birth of Thy dear Son into 
the world ; for His death upon Calvarj', for His resur- 
rection-power over sin, and death, and the grave; for 
His Ascension, and for His constant intercession for 
us at the right hand of God on high. 

As our Intercessor we pray that Thou wilt remember 
this needy world. We send our love to all mankind 
by way of Thy throne. Keep us this day in possession 
of our spirits through Thy grace, and when our earthly 
days are done,, receive us to the endless day of heaven. 
We ask it in the name of Th}^ Dear Son, our Savior 
and Redeemer. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



199 



Deliuetance from 



Bible Reading 82 Romans 8: 

HERE is therefore now no condemnation to them 
that are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit 
of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of 
sin and of death. For what the law could not do, in 
that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his 
own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, 
condemned sin in the flesh : that the ordinance of the 
law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the 
flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the 
flesh mind the things of the flesh ; but they that are 
after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For the mind 
of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life 
and peace : because the mind of the flesh is enmity 
against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, 
neither indeed can it be : and they that are in the flesh 
cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh but in 
the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in 
you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, 
he is none of his. And if Christ is in you, the body is 
dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of 
righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up 
Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised 
up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to 
your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in 
you. 

So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, 
to live after the flesh : for if ye live after the flesh, 
ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the 
deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are 
led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. 



20O THE NEW TESTAMENT 



For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto 
fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby 
we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit himself beareth wit- 
ness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and 
if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs 
with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we 
may be also glorified with him. 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time 
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which 
shall be revealed to us-ward. * * * Who shall separate 
us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or an- 
guish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, 
or sword? Even as it is written. 

For thy sake we are killed all the day long; 

We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors 
through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that 
neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, 
nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor 
height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able 
to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ 
Jesus our Lord. 

Lewis Seymour Mudge 

UR Father in Heaven, we humbly beseech Thee^ to 
hear us. We come pleading the merits and asking 
the mediation of Thy Son, Our Savior. May the 
righteousness of Christ be fulfilled in us that we may 
be obedient to His holy will. May the mind of Christ 
take possession of us that we may have life and peace. 
May the Spirit of Christ dwell in us that we may live 
as becometh the children of God. 

Deliver us from the power and penalty and pollution 
of sin. Make us in all things, more than conquerors 
through Him that loved us. So establish us in our most 
holy faith that nothing shall be able to separate us from 
the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, Our Lord. 
And these things we ask in the name and for the 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 201 



sake of Him who came in the likeness of sinful flesh, 
and for sin, and hath made us heirs of God and 
joint heirs with Himself to an inheritance incorrupti- 
ble, undefiled, and which fadeth not away. Amen. 



202 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Bihle Reading 83 Romans 12: 

BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies 
of God, to present your bodies a Hving sacrifice, 
holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 
And be not fashioned according to this world : but be 
ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that 
ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and 
perfect will of God. 

For I say, through the grace that was given me, to 
every man that is among you, not to think of himself 
more highly than he ought to think; but so to think 
as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each 
man a measure of faith. For even as we have many 
members in one . body, and all the members have not 
the same office : so we, who are many, are one body 
in Christ, and severally members one of another. And 
having gifts differing according to the grace that was 
given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy accord- 
ing to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let 
us give ourselves to our ministry ; or he that teacheth, 
to his teaching ; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting : 
he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that 
ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with 
cheerfulness. 

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is 
evil ; cleave to that which is good. In love of the 
brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in 
honor preferring one another ; in diligence not sloth- 
ful ; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in 
hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in 
prayer ; communicating to the necessities of the saints ; 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 203 



given to hospitality. Bless them that persecute you; 
bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; 
weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one 
toward another. Set not your mind on high things, 
but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise 
in your own conceits. Render to no m.an evil for evil. 
Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all 
men. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be 
at peace with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, 
but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is writ-* 
ten, Vengeance belongeth unto me ; I will recompense, 
saith the Lord. But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; 
if he thirst, give him to drink : for in so doing thou 
shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not over- 
come of evil, but overcome evil with good. 



Edward Arthur Wicher 

t(\ GOD, our loving Father, make us to be perfect in 
^ Thy love. 

From a correctness of doctrine that is without char- 
ity, from a zeal for religion that is without human af- 
fection, from a profession of love towards Thyself 
that is without self-sacrifice for our neighbors and our 
brethren, we pray Thee to deliver us, O Lord. 

From all that is bitter and cynical, from all that is 
morose and sullen, from all that is cold and calculating, 
we pray Thee to deliver us, O Lord. 

From the seeking of our own interests in the midst 
of Thy Kingdom, we pray Thee to deliver us, O Lord. 

From the hypocrisy of feigning love towards Thy- 
self, we pray Thee to deliver us, O Lord. 

But as love hath been made complete, not in our love 
to Thee, but in the greatness of Thine to us, so we 
pray that we may feel the fulnes of Thy Spirit surging 
through us and ennobling all our powers, to the end 
that we may love one another as Christ Himself hath 
loved us. So teach us that we may bear the burdens 
one of another; that we may prefer one another in 



204 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



honor; that we may draw near one to another in the 
strong and tender ministrations of consolation, charity 
and encouragement; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 205 



JLoije tije (3tmm of au 

Bible Reading 84 I, Corinthians 13: 

F I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but 
have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a 
clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, 
and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I 
have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not 
love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to 
feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, 
but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suf- 
fereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunt- 
eth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself 
unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh 
not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, 
but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believ- 
eth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 
Love never f aileth : but whether there be prophecies, 
they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, 
they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it 
shall be done away. For we know in part, and we 
prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is 
come, that which is in part shall be done away. When 
I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I 
thought as a child : now that I am become a man, I 
have put away childish things. For now we see in a 
mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know 
in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I 
was fully known. But now abideth faith, hope, love, 
these three; and the greatest of these is love. 



2c6 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Prapet Alexander MacColl 

Q^LMIGHTY God, our Father, best known to us by 
^ Thy great name of Love, brought very near to us 
in the love of Christ, our hearts are cold and our lives 
empty till they are filled with Thy love. Take from 
us ever3^thing with which Thy love cannot dwell — all 
selfishness of aim and narrowness of spirit; all con- 
tentment with self and impatience with others ; all 
bitterness and all despair. We thank Thee that Thou 
dost love the world; and we pray Thee to overrule all 
hatreds of men and nations ; and as earthly kingdoms 
fall, prepare the way for the Kingdom and the King. 
We thank Thee that Thy love, encompassing the world, 
pauses ever at the threshold of one man's need, and 
enters in to bless. 

Help us to make each day beautiful, by some simple 
deed of love for others which we have learned at the 
feet of Jesus. And give us faith that love never 
fails, that whether our thought to-day be of the one 
man in his weakness and his need, or of the great 
world in its strife and sin, we may take our place con- 
fidently among the victors, and never cease to work, 
and hope, and pra}^ 

We ask it in the name of Hirn whose love passeth 
knowledge. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 207 



Ee0uttection of tfje Dead 

Bihle Reading 85 1. Corinthians 15; 

OW if Christ is preached that he hath been raised 
from the dead, howsay some among you that there 
is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no 
resurrection of the dead, neither hath Christ been 
raised : and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our 
preaching vain, your faith also is vain. Yea, and we 
are found false witnesses of God; because we wit- 
nessed of God that he raised up Christ : whom he 
raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised. 
For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ 
been raised : and if Christ hath not been raised, your 
faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also 
that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we 
have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all 
men most pitiable. 

But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the 
firstfruits of them that are asleep. For since by man 
came death, by man came also the resurrection of the 
dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall 
all be made alive. But each in his own order : Christ 
the firstf ruits ; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 
Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the 
kingdom to God, even the Father ; when he shall have 
abolished all rule and all authority and power. For 
he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under 
his feet. The last enemy that shall be abolished is 
death. For, He put all things in subjection under his 
feet. But when he saith. All things are put in subjec- 
tion, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject 
all things unto him. And when all things have been 
subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be 



2o8 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, 
that God may be all in all. 

Ptapet Edgar P. Hill 

LMIGHTY and ever blessed God, we rejoice in 
Thee. We would always rejoice in Thee. Thou 
art the source of light and life, of love and joy and 
peace. All that we have and are we owe to Thee, for 
Thou art the giver of every ^ood thing. Especially do 
we praise Thee at this time for what we are and hope 
to be through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thine unspeakable 
gift of love unto us. When we were not only unlovely 
but unloving. He died that we might live eternally. 
By His stripes we are healed. By His resurrection 
victory we are raised into newness of life. No longer 
doth the fear of death disturb us. We face the future 
unafraid. We stand by the new made grave with 
eyes of hope shining through our tears, as we recall the 
words of our risen Savior, ''Because I live ye shall 
live also." Our hearts steady constantly by the as- 
surance that our Christ is seated at the right hand 
of Thy throne. And when we shall draw near the end 
of the earthly years, may we face the great change 
with courage and eager anticipation. Keep us to-day, 
to-morrow and during all the remaining years, in the 
way of Thy choosing. And at the last, give unto us 
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
In His name we ask it all. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 209 



Ci)e Qiannet of jae$utte(tion 

Bible Reading 86 I. Corinthians 13: 

3J2UT some one will say, How are the dead raisedv^ 
™ and with what manner of body do they come? 
Thou foolish one, that which thou thyself sowest is 
not quickened except it die : and that which thou sow- 
est, thou sowest not the body that shall be, but a bare 
grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other kind; 
but God giveth it a body even as it pleased him, and 
to each seed a body of its own. * * So also is the 
resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; 
it is raised in incorruption : it is sown in dishonor ; it 
is raised in glory : it is sown in weakness ; it is raised 
in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a 
spiritual body. * * 

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot 
inherit the kingdom of God ; neither doth corruption 
inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery : 
We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, in 
a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump : 
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be 
raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For 
this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this 
mortal must put on immortality. But when this cor- 
ruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal 
shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass 
the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in 
victory. O death, where is thy victory? O death, 
where is thy sting? The sting of death is sin; and 
the power of sin is the law : but thanks be to God, who 
giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, un- 
movable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, 



210 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in 
the Lord. 

Henry Ward Beecher 

EAVENLY Father, grant that every day we may 
so live, thinking of the future, that death shall be 
the most radiant of portals, surging through which we 
ascend to triumph and eternal victory. May it not 
seem to us a sad thing to grow old. As daylight be- 
gins to dawn upon our darkness, leaving its glory there 
— as one sense after another indicates that Thou art 
preparing to take down this mortal frame — as we be- 
hold these signs and tokens of outward decay, O 
grant that there may be deep peace, an inward joy, and 
that the thought of our blessed immortality may be 
to us as a balm in every trouble, as light in all dark- 
ness, as encouragement under all oppressions and trials, 
and as a guide and an inspiration when things seem 
to us sapless and dead. 

O risen Christ, who hast gained the eternal victory 
of life over death, and in Avhom all men are victorious, 
give us Thy victory over fear and bitterness. Grant 
us Thy victory over sorrow that in it our poor sorrows 
may be hidden and we be comforted. Make us to 
rise with Thee; and from the other world may we 
hear united with Thy voice the voices of those ^ who 
have risen to life through Thee and who can die no 
more. So do Thou be our abiding comfort and eternal 
joy. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE NEV/ TESTAMENT 



211 



Cfte Onseen anD Cternai 



Bible Reading 8/ 



II. Corinthians 4:5: 



^HEREFORE seeing we have this ministry, even as 

^ we obtained mercy, we faint not : but we have re- 
nounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in 
craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; 
but by the m.anifestation of the truth commending our- 
selves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them 
that perish : in whom the god of this world hath 
blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of 
the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image 
of God, should not dawn upon them. For we preach 
not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves 
as your servants for Jesus' sake. Seeing it is God, that 
said. Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in 
our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the 
glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that 
the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, 
and not from ourselves; we are pressed on every side, 
yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; 
pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not de- 
stroyed ; always bearing about in the body the dying 
of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested 
in our body. For we who live are always delivered 
unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus 
may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death 
worketh in us, but life in you. But having the same 
spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I 
believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, 
and therefore also we speak; knowing that he that 
raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with 




212 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things 
are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied 
through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to 
abound unto the glory of God. 

Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward 
man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day 
by day. For our light affliction, which is for the mo- 
ment, worketh for us more iand more exceedingly an 
eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the 
things which are seen, but at the thingfs which are not 
seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but 
the things which are not seen are eternal. 

For we know that if the earthly house of our taber- 
nacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a 
house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens. 

PiSpet Henry Ward Beecher 

Q[S the days hasten, as the years are drawing nigh, 
^ when we, too, shall soon pass, give to us tokens 
and premonitions of our own acceptance. Grant that 
more and more the cords which make earth so precious 
may be ready to part, so that there may be nothing 
here to hold us when we should go, everything there 
to draw us when we should rise. When death comes, 
may we neither dread nor hate it, but with the eye of 
faith see its inward heart and nature. How merciful, 
how more balmy than sleep, how kind, how full of 
God's multitudinous blessings, is that providence which 
takes us away from the limitations of time, of sin, and 
of sorrow upon earth, and brings us into the presence 
of our God, into the exaltation of the heavenly state, 
where are radiant joy, and all peace and purity! This 
is Thy gift, O Thou ^ atoning Jesus ! O Thou who 
hast died for us, and in whom we live, by whom our 
sins are cleansed away, give us unclouded faith ! ^ O 
Thou who art Prince and Savior, save us now, in dying 
and beyond; and bring us into the infinite joy of Thy 
Father's kingdom, where we shall praise the Father, 
the Son, and the Holy Spirit! 
World without end. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 213 



4Fruft0 of ti)e ^pitit 

Bible Reading 88 Galatians 3:6: 

^rf OR freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast there- 
fore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bond- 

For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use 
not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but 
through love be servants one to another. For the 
whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this : Thou 
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. * * * 

But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not ful- 
fil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against 
the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these 
are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do 
the things that ye would. But if ye are led by the 
Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of 
the flesh are manifest, which are these : fornication, 
uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, 
strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, 
envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of 
which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, 
that they who practise such things shall not inherit the 
kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love^ 
joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithful- 
ness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no 
law. And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified 
the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. 

If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also 
walk. Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one 
another, envying one another. 

Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any tres- 
pass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a 



214 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



spirit of gentleness ; looking to thyself, lest thou also 
be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so 
fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man thinketh himself 
to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth him- 
self. But let each man prove his own work, and then 
shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, 
and not of his neighbor. For each man shall bear his 
own burden. 

But let him that is taught in the word communicate 
unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not de- 
ceived ; God is not mocked : for whatsoever a man 
soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth 
unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; 
but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit 
reap eternal life. And let us not be weary in well- 
doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint 
not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that 
which is good toward all men, and especially toward 
them that are of the household of the faith. 

I^t9p0t Arthur F. Wittenherger 

LORD, for the glorious freedom of spirit, wrought 
for mankind by Jesus Christ, we thank Thee. Hav- 
ing been delivered from the yoke of sin, law and death, 
we would stand firm against a return to bondage. We 
would use also our freedom, not for self-satisfaction, 
but for service of others, thereby fulfilling the law 
of love. 

We pray, therefore, enable us actively to walk by 
the spirit, that we shall in no wise perform the works 
of sinful flesh, against which we are warned that they 
who practise them shall not inherit the Kingdom. Grant 
us rather, since we have life by the Spirit, also the 
blessed fruits of the Spirit. Let love be shed abroad 
in our hearts. Let joy abound. Let peace fill our souls 
and pervade our society. Keep us patient amid trials. 
Teach us to exercise kindness and show beneficence 
toward all. Help us to keep faith with ourselves and 
others. Give us meekness of spirit and strong self- 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 215 



control. Evermore keep us humble in mind, helpful 
toward the erring, hopeful of victory, as we remember 
the promise, that he that soweth unto the Spirit shall 
of the Spirit reap eternal life. 
In Jesus' name. Amen. 



2i6 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Bible Reading 89 Ephesians 5:6: 

E ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved chil- 
dren; and walk in love, even as Christ also loved 
you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a 
sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell. 

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetous- 
ness, let it not even be named among you, as becom- 
eth saints; nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jest- 
ing, which are not befitting: but rather giving of 
thanks. For this ye know of a surety, that no forni- 
cator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is 
an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of 
Christ and God. Let no man deceive you with empty 
words: for because of these things cometh the wrath 
of God upon the sons of disobedience. Be not ye 
therefore partakers with them. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength 
of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that 
ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but 
against the principalities, against the powers, against 
the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual 
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Where- 
fore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be 
able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, 
to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins 
with truth, and having put on the breastplate of right- 
eousness, and having shod your feet with the prepara- 
tion of the gospel of peace ; withal taking up the shield 
of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the 
fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of 
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 217 



word of God : with all prayer and supplication pray- 
ing at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching vhere- 
unto in all perseverance and supplication for all the 
saints. 

PrapCt Book of Worship 

Q[LMIGHTY' God, Thou art our refuge and strength, 
^ so we come to Thee in prayer. This day we have 
been in battle ; the fire of the enemy has been unceas- 
ing, and our armor needs repairing. 

We have been in the ways of rebellion, and the 
tempter has captured much of our will. And we have 
encountered difficulty and sorrow, and sometimes we 
have been daunted and we have turned back in fear. 
But now we come to Thee for the gift of health and 
strength. We bless Thee that Thy promises abound, 
even unto the weakest, and to those most out of the 
way. There is no distress which cannot find its balm 
in Thy love. There is no poison of sin which cannot 
be expelled by the power of Thy forgiveness. Help 
us to believe this, Good Lord, and by our belief to find 
that the miracle of grace has been worked in our own 
souls. Make us considerate of one another. May we 
find our own joy in seeking blessings for our fellows. 
Lift us into self-forgetfulness, and lay upon our souls 
the burden of the world. May we be the kinsmen of ' 
our Savior, willing to suffer in order that others may 
find Thy peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



2i8 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Bible Reading go Philippians 2: 

F there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any- 
consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, 
if any tender mercies and compassions, make full my 
joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, 
being 'of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing 
through faction or through vainglory, but in low- 
liness of mind each counting other better than him- 
self ; not looking each of you to his own things, but 
each of you also to the things of others. Have this 
mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, 
existing in the form of God, counted not the being on 
an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emp- 
tied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made 
in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as 
a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even 
unto death, yea, the death of the cross.- Wherefore 
*also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the 
name which is above every name; that in the name of 
Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and 
things on earth and things under the earth, and that 
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 
to the glory of God the Father. 

So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, 
not as in my presence only, but now much more in my 
absence, work out your own salvation with fear and 
trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to 
will and to work, for his good pleasure. Do all things 
without murmurings and questionings ; that ye may be- 
come blameless and harmless, children of God without 
blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse gen- 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



219 



eration, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, 
holding forth the word of life. 

Lucian /. Fosdick 

GOD our Father, we Thy erring children, come to 
Thee in all our need, our dependence, our helpless- 
ness ; we have no merits of our own ; we plead the 
merits of Thy Son our Savior. We need Thee; we 
need the cleansing which comes only through the sac- 
rifice made by Him, whose name is above every name. 

We need Thy presence in the person of the Holy 
Spirit; we need the fellowship of Him who walked 
with the disciples when their hearts were heavy and 
who dispelled their sorrow, making their hearts to 
glow with joy; we need Thee, O God, more than we 
need all things else. 

Help us, O God our Father, to have the mind of 
Christ; the mind to do Thy will, to heed Thy voice, 
to obey Thy precepts; the gift to see our opportuni- 
ties for service and a heart to serve. 

Help us, our Father, in the hour of discouragement, 
the hour of trial, the hour of sorrow, to hold fast to 
Thee, knowing that Thou art near, that Thou wilt not 
leave us, and out of the comfort and consolations of 
Thy love to us, may we minister to the comfort and 
consolation of others, to the glory of Him who hath 
redeemed us. Amen. 



220 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



imitation of Ci)ri0t 

Bible Reading pi Philip pians 3:4: 

OWBEIT what things were gain to me, these have 
I counted loss for Christ. Yea veril}^, and I count 
all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowl- 
edge of Christ Jesus my Lord : for whom I suffered 
the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, 
that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not hav- 
ing a righteousness of mine own, even that which is 
of the law, but that which is through faith in 
Christ, the righteousness which is from God 
by faith : that I ma}^ know him, and the power 
of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his 
sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; if by 
any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the 
dead. Not that I have already obtained, or am al- 
ready made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may 
lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by 
Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count' not myself yet to have 
laid hold: but one thing / do, forgetting the things 
which are behind, and stretching forward to the things 
which are before, I press on toward the goal unto 
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, what- 
soever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, 
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are 
lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there 
be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on 
these things. The things which ye both learned and 
received and heard and saw in me, these things do : and 
the God of peace shall be with you. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Andrew Murray 

^HOU sayest: Abide in me! O my Master, my Life, 
^ my All, I do abide in Thee. Give Thou me to 
grow into all Thy fulness. It is not the effort of faith 
seeking to cling to Thee, nor even the rest of faith, 
trusting Thee to keep me; it is not the obedience of 
the will, nor the keeping the commandments ; but it is 
Thyself living in me as in the Father, that alone can 
satisfy me. It is Thyself, my Lord, no longer before 
me and above me, but one with me, and abiding in me ; 
it is this I need, it is this I seek. It is this I trust 
Thee for. 

Thou sayest : Ask whatsoever ye will. Lord ! I 
know that the life of full, deep abiding will so renew 
and sanctify and strengthen the will that I shall have 
the light and the liberty to ask great things. Lord ! 
let my will, dead in Thy death, living in Thy life, be 
bold and large in its petitions. 

Thou sayest: It shall be done. O Thou who art 
the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, give me in 
Thyself the joyous confidence that Thou wilt make this 
word yet more wonderfully true to me than ever, be- 
cause it hath not entered into the heart of man to 
conceive what God hath prepared for them that love 
Him. Amen. 



222 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Cf)e jeeto Life 

Bible Reading 92 Cdlossians 3: 

"liF then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the 
things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the 
right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that 
are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 
For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 
When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then 
shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. 

Put to death therefore your members which are upon 
the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil de- 
sire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which 
things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons 
of disobedience : wherein ye also once walked, when 
ye lived in these things; but now do ye also put them 
all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful 
speaking out of your mouth : lie not one to another ; 
seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, 
and have put on the new man, that is being renewed 
unto knowledge after the image of him that created 
him : where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circum- 
cision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond- 
man, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. 

Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, 
a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, 
longsuffering ; forbearing one another, and forgiving 
each other, if any man have a complaint against any; 
even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye : and above 
all these things put on love, which is the bond of per- 
fectness. And let the peace of Christ rule in your 
hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; 
and be ye thankful. Let' the word of Christ dwell in 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



223 



you richly ; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing 
one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual 
songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. 
And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the 
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the 
Father through him. 

Ptaper 

Russell Conwell 

LORD! we have missed so many things in life. 
Thou hast filled the world with beauty and yet so 
small a portion of it do we see. We have missed so 
many friends we might have made. We have missed so 
many thoughts that would have been full of sublimity. 
We have missed so many charming scenes that would 
have been full of glory. We have missed so much, we 
have not lived. We have been sleeping through this life 
with only a glance here and there ; only a voice here 
and there; only a smile here and there of all the mil- 
lions one might have known and enjoyed. Lord, we 
appeal to Thee to awaken us : to increase our faith, our 
sensitiveness, our comprehension, so that in the future 
we shall not miss as many things as we have missed in 
the past. ! 

Lord! soften our lives; sweeten our expressions, 
beautify all that we do, and may our deeds have the 
halo around them of richness, of nobility, of peace, of 
joy, of love, so that we may not only live but we may 
live beautifully, that we may live so that our lives may 
have something of the morning sunshine in them; that 
we may so live that the world, seeing us, will see that 
life is not only a duty clearly performed, but that it is 
beautifully done. 

W^e ask all these things in Jesus Christ's name. 
Amen. 



224 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Ci)e EettiarD of tfte Jfaitljful 

Bible Reading 93 II. Timothy 2: 

^HOU therefore, my child, be strengthened in the 
^ grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which 
thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the 
same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able 
to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a 
good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service 
entangleth himself in the affairs oi Jhis life; that he 
may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. And if 
also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, 
except he have contended lawfully. The husbandman 
that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits. 
Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee un- 
derstanding in all things. Remember Jesus Christ, 
risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according 
to my gospel: wherein I suffer hardship unto ^ bonds, 
as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound. 
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that 
they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ 
Jesus with eternal glory. Faithful is the saying : For 
if we died with him, we shall also live with him : if 
we endure, we shall also reign with him : if we shall 
deny him, he also will deny us : if we are faithless, he 
abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself. 

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging 
them in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not 
about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them 
that hear. Give diligence to present thyself approved 
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 
handling aright the word of truth. * * * Howbeit the 
firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal. The 
Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 225 



that nameth the name of the Lord depart from un- 
righteousness. Now in a great house there are not 
only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood 
and of earth ; and some unto honor, and some unto dis- 
honor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, 
he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for 
the master's use, prepared unto every good work. 

J^t9p0t William W. Lawrence 

LESSED Father, we seek a closer fellowship with 
Thee in whom we find our gospel. Take us to 
Thyself for heartening that we may glorify Thee in a 
better life. In Thee we live and thereby comes our 
obligation. Thou hast redeemed us, and therein is our 
confidence. By Thee we would be moved that our 
power might be spiritual and adequate for the emer- 
gencies and hardships of life. We crave boldness for 
witnessing. Teach us to draw inspiration from all 
common striving of men. Make the soldier a lesson 
in willing respondency and implicit obedience that we 
may please Thee. Prod us into a finer striving by even 
the honor of the games. Called to walk in old paths, 
grant us the light of Thy presence, and a memory of 
all who went this way. Thy grace is so unspeakable 
that we would dare seek for fruit while we labor. Thou 
hast put a singing in our hearts, for we remember 
Jesus Christ. Spirit of Truth, hold the Gospel before 
us till we know it. Help us win our generation. Work 
in us a faithfulness that cannot deny itself. Lift us 
up to Thyself that we may see over the top. Give us 
the far-away vision. Sanctify us in Thy truth, that we 
may bring, gladly, our work for Thy approval. Put 
upon us the tracery of holiness. Keep us for Thy- 
self, and use us for Thy glory, through Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



226 ■ THE NEW TESTAMENT 



OBnDutance 

Eihle Reading g4 Hebrews 12:13: 

HEREFORE let us also, seeing we are compassed 
about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside 
every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset 
us, and let us run with patience the race that is set 
before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter 
vof our faith, who for the joy that was set before him 
endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down 
at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider 
him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners 
against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in 
your souls. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striv- 
ing against sin: and ye have forgotten the exhortation 
which reasoneth with you as with sons. 

My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the 
Lord, 

Nor faint when thou art reproved of him; 

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, 

And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 

It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth 
with you as with sons ; for what son is there whom his 
father chasteneth not? But if ye are without chasten- 
ing, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye 
bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the 
fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them 
reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection 
unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed 
for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them ; 
but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his 
holiness. All chastening seemeth for the present to 
be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth 
peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



227 



thereby, even the fruit of righteousness. Wherefore 
lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied 
knees ; and make straight paths for your feet, that that 
which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather 
be healed. 

Now the God of peace, who brought again from the 
dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood 
of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus, make you 
perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in 
us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through 
Jesus Christ; to whom he the glory for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

George Brewer 

ORD, we thank Thee for the great cloud of wit- 
nesses who have endured all things by looking 
unto Jesus Christ. We also look to Thee in these brief 
moments of devotion. May we realize Thy Spirit's 
presence. Banish from us all pride and self-conceit, 
all selfishness and sin, and so influence our hearts that 
all our desires and plans may be- brought into har- 
mony with Thy will. Help us in all life-experiences to 
remember Jesus Christ. When our hearts are growing 
cold and indifferent, and we are living as if life had no 
spiritual reality, make Thy life very real to us. When 
the evil memories of the past trouble us, and we mourn 
over early dreams and hopes departed, make real Thy 
forgiving promises. When we are tempted to sin — 
sin clothed in allurements which make it seem less sin- 
ful, — may we remember Thee, "tempted in all points as 
we are, yet without sin." When the joys and successes 
come, save us from growing narrow with these absorb- 
ing interests, and when we face the difficulties, the dis- 
appointments, and the sorrows of life, fill us with con- 
quering hope, and abiding 4)eace, and enable us to en- 
dure as seeing Him who is invisible. 
We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. 



228 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Cemptation 

Bible Reading 95 James i: 

/ITOUNT it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into 
^ manifold temptations ; knowing that the proving 
of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have 
its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, 
lacking in nothing. 

But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of 
God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not ; 
and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, 
nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge 
of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. For let not 
that man think that he shall receive anything of the 
Lord; a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways. 

But let the brother of low degree glory in his high 
estate : and the rich, in that he is made low : because 
as - the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For 
the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and wither- 
eth the grass ; and the flower thereof falleth, and the 
grace of the fashion of it perisheth : so also shall the 
rich man fade away in his goings. 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation ; for 
when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown 
of life, which the Lord promised to them that love 
him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempt- 
ed of God ; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and 
he himself tempteth no man : but each man is tempted, 
when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. 
Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin : 
and the sin, when it is full-grown, bringeth forth death. 
Be not deceived, my belovea brethren. Every good gift 
and every perfect gift is from above, coming down 
from the Father of lights, with whom can be no varia- 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 229 



tion, neither shadow that is cast by turning. Of his 
own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, 
that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. 

Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every 
man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath : for 
the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of 
God. Wherefore putting away all filthiness and over- 
flowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the im- 
planted word, which is able to save your souls. But 
be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, delud- 
ing your own selves. For if any one is a hearer of the 
word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding 
his natural face in a mirror: for he beholdeth him- 
self, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what 
manner of man he was. But he that looketh into the 
perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, be- 
ing not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that work- 
eth, this man shall be blessed in his doing. If any 
man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth 
not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man's re- 
ligion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before our 
God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and 
widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted 
from the world. 

/. R. Miller 

rfATHER, teach us the lesson of victory. We yield 
too easily to things that try us. We are too easily 
disheartened. We do not trust Thee enough when the 
way is^hard. Help us to enter into the victory of Jesus 
Christ, who overcame the world, and in whom we, too, 
can overcome the world. Save us from discouragement 
which so often leads to doubt and to the loss of joy 
and hope. Let us not be discouraged of others. Help 
us w^herever we go to carry gladness, cheer, inspira- 
tion, and hope, so that all who meet us will be stronger 
and braver for the meeting. 

We thank Thee for the precious promises Thou hast 
given us in Thy word. They suit every possible need of 



230 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



our lives. We never can have an experience for which 
we may not find some word of Thine, assuring us' of 
help. Thy promises are sure and eternal. Help us to 
believe them implicitly and to trust them absolutely. 
Forgive us our doubts and fears when we have not had 
full confidence in Thy word, and help us from this 
day forward to believe everything Thou dost promise 
us. Then shall we sing even in the darkness. We ask 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 231 



Bible Reading 96 James 3: 

E not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing 
that we shall receive heavier judgment. For in 
m.any things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in 
word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the 
whole body also. Now if we put the horses' bridles 
into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn about 
their whole body also. Behold, the ships also, though 
they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are 
yet turned about by a very small rudder, whither the 
impulse of the steersman willeth. So the tongue also 
is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, 
how much wood is kindled by how small a fire ! And 
the tongue is a fire : the world of iniquity among our 
members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, 
and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on 
fire by hell. For every kind of beasts and birds, of 
creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and 
hath been tamed by mankind : but the tongue can no 
man tame, it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison. 
Therewith bless we the Lord and Father ; and there- 
with curse we men, who are made after the likeness of 
God : out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing 
and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so 
to be. Doth the fountain send forth from the same 
opening sweet water and bitter? can a fig tree, my 
brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither can salt 
water yield sweet. 

Who is wise and understanding among you? let him 
show by his good life his works in meekness of wis- 
dom. But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in 
your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. 



232 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from 
above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where 
jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every 
vile deed. But the wisdom that is from above is first 
pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, 
full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, with- 
out hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown 
in peace for them that make peace. 

I^tap0t A Veteran Pastor 

RATHER in heaven, show us how to be wrapt up in 
^ Thee — by becoming absorbed in serving and enjoy- 
ing people whom Thou sendest across our path. We 
would find Thee everywhere, but especially in folks in 
whom Thou dost dwell, or art to dwell, perhaps by 
means of our kindness to them. Teach us to hate sin, 
especially our own sin, and to love everything else, 
and to love everybody. Cure us of disparaging our 
fellows, of dulness or indifferences toward the hum- 
blest or the meanest ; and beget within us the fixed 
habit of appreciating people, of seeing all the latent or 
possible good in them, and of loving them into right- 
eous living. Scorch the thorns from off our tongues, 
and blast out all bitterness from our hearts. So dis- 
til Thy love within us, so occupy every corner of our 
being, that there shall be no room left for dislikes, 
grudges, antipathies, or suspicions. Thus mold society 
also in Thy likeness. Dismiss its enmities. Abate its 
collisions. Cure its greed, its selfishness, its schisms, its 
wanton devotion to mere display; and work Thy right- 
eousness into us and into the entire life of the people. 
We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 233 



Cfie linnet's aDiiocate 

Bible Reading p/ /. John 2: 

Y little children, these things write I unto you that 
ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an 
Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : 
and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for 
ours only, but also for the whole world. And hereby 
we know that we know him, if we keep his command- 
ments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not 
his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in 
him ; but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath 
the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that 
we are in him : he that saith he abideth in him ought 
himself also to walk even as he walked. 

Beloved, no new commandment write I unto you, 
but an old commandment which ye had from the be- 
ginning : the old commandment is the word which ye 
heard. Again, a new commandment write I unto you, 
which thing is true in him and in you ; because the 
darkness is passing away, and the true light already 
shineth. He that saith he is in the light and hateth 
his brother, is in the darkness even until now. He that 
loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no 
occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his 
brother is in the darkness, and walketh in the darkness, 
and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the dark- 
ness hath blinded his eyes. 

I write unto you, my little children, because your 
sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write 
unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from 
the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because 
ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto 
you, little children, because ye know the Father. I 
have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him 
who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, 



234 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



young men, because ye are strong, and the word of 
God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one. 
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the 
world. If any man love the world, the love of the 
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the 
lust of. the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain- 
glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof : but 
he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 

Ptapet John Timothy Stone 

UR loving Father, we thank Thee that we may bow 
before Thee as little children and, if not fully con- 
scious of our own weakness and-frailty, we thank Thee 
that we are instinctively conscious of Thy great 
strength and of the warmth of Thy loving heart, and 
of the willingness of Thy love to protect and help. 

Simplify, we pray Thee, our faith; save us from all 
the curses of pride and self-esteem; shield us from be- 
ing over-influenced by the suggestions or opinions of 
our friends ; and give to us that loving confidence in 
Thee which will take us from the love of the world. 

We thank Thee, our Lord and Savior, that Thou 
didst overcome the evil one when he tempted Thee; 
give to us the same power of falling back upon Thy 
word, and quoting and believing Scripture, when he 
misquotes and disbelieves. 

Save us from the philosophies of the world, which 
mystify our faith instead of clearing it, and which in- 
troduce false and strange suggestions instead of the 
simple assurances of love, and faith, and hope. May 
this mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus. Help 
us to know that ''the world passeth away and the lust 
thereof," but that he that doeth Thy will abideth for- 
ever ! and in the daily routine of our lives, may we 
keep our eyes fast and our purpose firm, upon the 
great loving principles of Thyself, established and sure, 
that we may ever know the love of God and do it. 
We ask it in Christ's name. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 235 



CbilOren of (Sod 

Bible Reading g8 /. John 3: 

JgEHOLD what manner of love the Father hath be- 
™ stowed upon us, that we should be called children 
of God ; and such we are. For this cause the world 
knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, 
now are we children of God, and it is not yet made 
manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall 
be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see 
him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope 
set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Every 
one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness ; and sin is 
lawlessness. And ye know that he was manifested to 
take away sins ; and in him is no sin. Whosoever 
abideth in him sinneth not : whosoever sinneth hath not 
seen him, neither knoweth him. My little children, let 
no man lead you astray : he that doeth righteousness is 
righteous, even as he is righteous : he that doeth sin is 
of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. 
To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he 
might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is 
begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth 
in him : and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of 
God. In this the children of God are manifest, and 
the children of the devil : whosoever doeth not right- 
eousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his 
brother. For this is the message which ye heard from 
the beginning, that we should love one another : not 
as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And 
wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, 
and his brother's righteous. 

IMarvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you. We 
know that we have passed out of death into life, be- 



236 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



cause we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth 
in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a mur- 
derer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life 
abiding in him. Hereby know we love, because he laid 
down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our 
lives for the brethren. But whoso hath the world's 
goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth 
up his compassion from him, how doth the love of 
God abide in him? My little children, let us not love 
in word, neither with the tongue ; but in deed and 
truth. Hereby shall we know that we are of the truth, 
and shall assure our heart before him: because if our 
heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and 
knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us 
not, we have boldness toward God; and whatsoever we 
ask we receive of him, because we keep his command- 
ments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. 
And this is his commandment, that we should believe 
in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one an- 
other, even as he gave us commandment. And he that 
keepeth his commandments abideth in him, and he in 
him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by 
the Spirit which he gave us. 

/. Campbell White 

UR Father in heaven, and also dwelling in the 
hearts of all Thy children, we thank Thee that we 
know that even now in this world of sin, we are Thy 
children and that we have already passed out of death 
into eternal life. We thank Thee for Thy love shed 
abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, enabling us 
to love with Thy love and giving us the assurance of 
experience that Thy love is able to include the un- 
lovely and the naturally repulsive in the hope of win- 
ning them to loveliness and likeness to Thee. We thank 
Thee that Christ came to destroy the works of the 
devil in the world and in our hearts, and that He is 
able to do all that He has undertaken. We praise 
Thee for the victory that He makes possible momem 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 2^7 



by moment to every life that abides in Him. Help 
us to walk and work, we pray Thee, as trustful, obe- 
dient children of Thine, .that with unshaken confidence 
in Thee, we may daily receive the answers to our 
prayers ; that we may evermore be conscious of our 
union with Thee; and that out from our lives may 
flow rivers of blessing from Thee into the needy and 
thirsty world. 

Through Jesus Christ, our ever-present and all-suffi- 
cient Savior. Amen. 



238 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



(Sod M lone 

Bible Reading pp /. John 4: 

ELOVED, believe not every spirit, but prove the 
spirits whether they are of God ; because many false 
prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know 
ye the Spirit of God : every spirit that conf esseth that 
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God : and every 
spirit that conf esseth not Jesus is not of God: and this 
is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard 
that it Cometh ; and now it is in the world already. 
Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome 
them : because greater is he that is in you than he that 
is in the world. They are of the world : therefore 
speak they as of the world, and the world heareth 
them. We are of God : he that knoweth God heareth 
us ; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we 
knov/ the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 

Beloved, let us love one another : for love is of 
God; and every one that loveth is begotten of God, 
and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not 
God ; for God is love. Herein was the love of God 
manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten 
Son into the world that we might live through him. 
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he 
loved us, and sent his Son to he the propitiation for 
our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought 
to love one another. No man hath beheld God at any 
time : if we love one another, God abideth in us, and 
his love is perfected in us : hereby we know that we 
abide in him and he in us, because he hath given us of 
his Spirit. And we have beheld and bear witness that 
the Father hath sent the Son to he the Saviour of the 
world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 239 



of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. And we 
know and have beheved the love which God hath in us. 
God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in 
God, and God abideth in him. Herein is love made 
perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day 
of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this 
world. There is no fear in love: but perfect love 
casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and 
he that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love, 
because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, 
and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth 
not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God 
whom he hath not seen. And this commandment have 
we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother 
also. 

Benjamin B. Warfield 

OST Gracious Father, we praise Thee for the 
greatness of the love with which Thou hast loved 
us. We thank Thee that Thou hast sent Thine only- 
begotten Son to die that we might through Him live. 
We thank Thee that Thou hast given us of His Spirit 
that we may know that we are in Him. We thank 
Thee that Thou hast shed love abroad in our hearts 
that we too may- love ; love Thee as Thou hast loved 
us; love our brethren as Thou hast loved them and 
us, and sent Thy Son to be the propitiation for our 
sins. Grant that we may accept no standard of love 
but the standard of Thy love; and may never be satis- 
fied until we love as Thou dost love and so approve 
ourselves as Thy children. Let no hatred find place in 
our hearts; no jealousy consume us; no envy torment 
our souls. Make our hearts soft in the presence of 
human weakness, strong in the presence of hu- 
man need; and put that spirit in us which was in 
our Lord and Savior who loved us though we were 
unlovely; and died for us though we were unworthy. 
Help us to live day by day as Thy children here; and, 
as children should, to look forward without fear to 



240 THE NEW TESTAMENT 



Thine appointments hereafter, and every day that we 
live, make us to know Thee better, to serve Thee more 
fully, and to love Thee more supremely. We ask all 
in the name of Jesus. Amen. 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 



241 



Bible Reading 100 Revelation 21:22:/: 

ND I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the 
first heaven and the first earth are passed away; 
and the sea is no more. And I saw the holy city, new 
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 
made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And 
I heard a great voice out of the throne saying. Be- 
hold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall 
dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and 
God himself shall be with them, and be their God : and 
he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and 
death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourn- 
ing, nor crying, nor pain, any more : the first things 
are passed away. And he that sitteth on the throne 
said. Behold, I make all things new. And he saith. 
Write: for these words are faithful and true. And he 
said unto me. They are come to pass. I am the Al- 
pha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will 
give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the 
water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit 
these things ; and I will be his God, and he shall be 
my son. But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and 
abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sor- 
cerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be 
in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which 
is the second death. ^ * * 

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God the 
Almighty, and the Lamb, are the temple thereof. And 
the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, 
to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, 
and the lamp thereof is the Lamb. And the nations 
shall walk amidst the light thereof : and the kings of 



242 ^ THE NEW TESTAMENT 



the earth bring their glory into it. And the gates there- 
of shall in no wise be shut by day (for there shall be 
no night there) : and they shall bring the glory and 
the honor of the nations into it: and there shall in 
no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that mak- 
eth an abomination and a lie : but only they that are 
written in the Lamb's book of life. * * 

And there shall be no curse any more : and the 
throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein : and 
his servants shall serve him; and they shall see his 
face; and his name shall he on their foreheads. And 
there shall be night no more; and they need no light 
of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall 
give them light: and they shall reign for ever and 
ever. * * * 

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, 
These that are arrayed in the white robes, who are 
they, and whence came they? And I say unto him. My 
lord, thou knowest. And he said to me. These are they 
that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed 
their robes, and made them white in the blood of the 
Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God; 
and they serve him day and night in his temple : and 
he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his taber- 
nacle over them. They shall hunger no more, neither 
thirst any more ; neither shall the sun strike upon 
them, nor any heat: for the Lamb that is in the midst 
of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide 
them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall 
wipe away every tear from their eyes. 

St. Augustine 

/(MOTHER JERUSALEM, holy city of God, dear 
Spouse of Christ, my heart loveth thee, my mind 
greatly desireth thy beauty. Thou art all beauteous, 
and there is no spot in thee. Happy my soul, yea 
happy ever and for aye, if I shall merit to gaze upon 
thy glory, thy blessedness, thy beauty, thy gates and 



THE NEW TESTAMENT 243 



walls, thy streets, thy many mansions, thy most noble 
citizens, and thy most mighty King, our Lord, in His 
loveliness. Naught is there in thee such as we suffer 
here, such as we behold in this miserable life. There 
is no darkness in thee, no night, nor any diversity of 
seasons. There shineth not in thee the light of any 
lamp, nor brightness of the moon, nor beam of stars ; 
but God of God, the Light of light, the Son of Right- 
eousness, ever enlighteneth thee ; the Lamb argent and 
spotless, radiant and most beauteous, is thy light. Thy 
sun, thy clearness and all thy good is the contemplation 
of this most beauteous King. There is the sweet solem- 
nity of all them that return from this sad pilgrimage 
unto thy joys. There Charity reigneth full and per- 
fect, because God is all in all, whom they see without 
end, and ever seeing are ardent in His love. They 
love and praise, they praise and love without ceasing. 

Lord Jesus, King of Paradise, 

O keep me in Thy love, 
And guide me to that happy land 

Of perfect rest above; 
Where loyal hearts, and true 

Stand ever in the light 
All rapture through and through 

In God's most holy sight. 



^HESE Bible Selections in Daily Devotion should 
^ serve as an introduction to a more complete study 
of the whole Bible. 

"The Bible is the best Book in the world." 

John Adams. 

''Nothing will ever take the place of the Bible as the 
foundation of all education and of all culture." 

Goethe. 

''The Bible teaches you the best lessons by which 
any human creature who tries to be truthful, and 
faithful to duty, can possibly be guided." 

Charles Pickens. 

"How wonderful, how supreme is the Bible. The 
thoughts breathe with inspiration, the figures live and 
move, and most of all, the central figure, Jesus Christ, 
seen, remembered, trusted and adored, stands out for- 
ever in it, the clearest, most enduring and most potent 
personality in the world's history." 

Henry Van Dyke. 

"No intelligent person can afford to be ignorant of 
the Bible." 

Charles Dudley Warner. 

THEN LET US STUDY THIS BOOK OF ALL 
BOOKS. 



INDEX TO BIBLE READINGS 



Page 



Annunciation 103 

Armor of God, The 216 

Atonement, Ritual of 41 

Backsliding 97 

Baptism and Temptation. . . 11 1 

Bearing Our Cross 141 

Betrayal of Christ 121 

Burial and Resurrection ... . 128 

Children of God 235 

Christ, Imitation of 220 

Christ's Reappearance 131 

Christ's Ascension 134 

Church Established 143 

Comforter, Promised I79 

Comforter, The 85 

Creation, The 9 

Crucifixion, The 126 

Endurance 226 

Feeding the Multitude IS3 

Flood, The 18 

Fruits of the Spirit 213 

Garden of Eden 13 

Gethsemane 119 

God is Love 238 

God's Servant 87 

Good Samaritan, The IS5 

Good Shepherd, The 167 

Governing the Tongue 231 

Great Judgment, The 147 

Holy One 80 

Holy One's Reign 83 

Holy Spirit Promised 184 



Page 



Holy Spirit, The Coming of 189 

Humility 218 

Incarnation, The 163 

Israel's Beginning 21 

Israel in Egypt 23 

Jesus' Birth 105 

Jesus in The Temple 108 

Last Supper, The. 117 

Life Through Death 177 

Light of the World 169 

Lost Son 159 

Love the Greatest of All 205 

Mount Sinai 32 

New Heaven and Earth .... 241 

New Life 222 

Passover 26 

Paul's Conversion 191 

Paul at Athens 193 

Parable of the Talents 149 

Possessions, Vanity of 75 

Prayer, The Farewell 186 

Prayer, The Power of 99 

Prayer, True.'. 161 

Psalms so 

Raising of Lazarus 174 

Reconciled to God 195 

Red Sea 29 

Redeeming One 95 

Redemption 89 

Redemption, The Offer of.. . 93 

Remembering God 78 

Resurrection of the Dead. . . 207 



248 INDEX TO BIBLE READINGS 



Page 

Resurrection, the Manner of 209 



Reward of the Faithful 224 

Reward of Wisdom 73 

Riches, The Deceit of 157 

Sacrifice, A Living 202 

Sermon on the Mount 137 

Sin, The First 15 

Sin, Deliverance from 199 

Sin, The Wages of 197 

Sinner's Advocate 233 

Sower and The Soil 151 

Suffering Servant 91 

Tabernacle 38 

Temple Planned 43 



Page 



Temple Built 46 

Temple Dedicated 48 

Temptation 228 

Ten Commandments 35 

Transfi guration 113 

Trial of Jesus 123 

Triumphal Entry lis 

True Greatness 14s 

True Worship 171 

Twice Born, The 165 

Unseen and Eternal 211 

Vine and the Branches 182 

Worldly Anxiety) 139 



